Lionel Messi has formally asked to be allowed to leave Barcelona.

Marca reports has sent a burofax - a certified delivery of documents - to the club and has asked to be released from his contract through the triggering of the clause that allows him to unilaterally leave at the end of each season.

In theory, this clause had to be activated before June 10, but the unusual circumstances of the coronavirus-enforced pause in the season mean that he may be able to request an exit now in the off-season.

Messi spoke with new coach Ronald Koeman last Friday and told the Dutchman that he saw himself more out of Barcelona than in.

Koeman was expecting that Messi would stay, but the coach's plans to get rid of the Argentine's close friend Luis Suarez were yet another setback for the superstar who has had an uncomfortable relationship with the current board.

Now, he has taken steps towards an exit that would shock the world of football if it comes to fruition.