LIONEL MESSI is in line for a “life contract” at Barcelona, according to reports.

It recently emerged that the Argie superstar can leave for nothing this summer due to a clause in his current deal.

And Mundo Deportivo reports that Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu wants to tie down his talisman, 32, for the rest of his life.

Messi’s importance has been highlighted by Barcelona’s struggles this season while he has been out injured.

He is yet to play this season due to an ongoing calf problem and his side sit eighth in La Liga after picking up just four points from four matches.

El Pais claim Nou Camp legend Messi has an agreement in his Barca deal that allows him to depart on June 30, at the end of each campaign.

The iconic forward has extended his contract eight times since 2005 and it is understood in his last extension, in 2017, a clause was included which allows him to leave at the end of any season.

However, it is thought the five-time Ballon d’Or winner can only walk out of Barca if he is heading for a team outside Europe.

His current deal runs out in 2021, and Messi has previously expressed interest in returning to Argentina with childhood club Newell’s Old Boys.