The extraordinary development potentially puts the 33-year-old within reach of a dramatic move to Manchester City and a reunion with Pep Guardiola.
Manchester United, PSG, Inter Milan and Juventus are also showing early interest.
In a dramatic twist, Barcelona have admitted the clause allowing Messi to leave does exist, but that it expired on June 10.
Barcelona have confirmed they received the burofax from Messi, but they ensure that the clause that allows Messi to leave expired on June 10.
Breaking: Barcelona confirms that Lionel Messi has told the club he wants to leave. pic.twitter.com/5P4riZQ9hi
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 25, 2020
Messi has a €700m release clause at the Nou Camp, meaning no club could afford to snare him away if his contract is not torn up.
The superstar also needs to find a club who could afford his wages of £1m-a-week.
Carles Puyol and Luis Suarez react to Messi's decision to leave Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/HziRutjCEi
— ESPN (@espn) August 25, 2020