Topics: Ernesto Valverde, Lionel Messi, Barcelona, La Liga
Friday marks a special day for both the manager and player, with Ernesto extending his contract on the same day of Leo's anniversary.

Questions have been asked of Ernesto Valverde's future, but the Barcelona boss now appears destined to remain with the club for a few more years after the team revealed he signed an extension.

The Blaugrana boss' initial deal was set to expire at the end of the current campaign but the two parties have agreed to extend it by another season. This means the former Athletic Club tactician will remain in charge until 2020 with the option of adding another year until 2021.

While the 55-year-old's search for his first European title with the Catalan giant continues, he has enjoyed tremendous domestic success with the Spanish giant. He led the club to a league and cup double in his debut season, with the club nearly going the entire Spanish Primera Division campaign unbeaten, losing 5-4 to Levante in the penultimate game of that season -- that was their only defeat.

Valverde followed this up by getting his hands on the Spanish Super Cup title and is well on his way to another league crown, with Messi and Co. topping the standings thanks to a six-point lead. Ernesto has been in charge of 96 games so far, winning 65 and suffering only nine defeats.

During this spell, Messi has been the most productive player. No Barcelona player has more goals than Leo (74) and assists (32) during the incumbent manager's reign.

This will come as little surprise to football fans, as La Pulga has been one of the most influential players in the history of the game. On Friday, the day that Valverde's extension was announced, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner celebrated the 18th anniversary of his arrival in the Catalan capital.