Iniesta's contract was due to expire next summer and he had expressed doubts about whether he would continue at the Camp Nou beyond then.

Speaking earlier this year, the Spain international said he was considering his future -- something that had previously been unthinkable.

Iniesta even knocked back a suggestion from Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu in September that an agreement had already been reached in principle over a new contract.

However, Barca have now confirmed that a deal has been struck which they hope will see the 33-year-old remain at the club until he retires.

"Barcelona and Andres Iniesta have reached an agreement over a lifetime contract in a deal that will keep him at the club for the rest of his career," a statement read.

Iniesta joined Barcelona as a 12-year-old and has gone on to make nearly 650 first-team appearances -- only Xavi Hernandez has played more games for the club.

Following Xavi's departure in 2015, Iniesta, who made his debut in 2002, has been the club's captain.