Asensio has been talked up as one of Spain’s brightest prospects and committed his future to Real last year.
He’s found chances hard to come by under Zinedine Zidane though and that’s prompted speculation he could move.
Chelsea has been touted as a possible destination, with Asensio potentially used as bait to clinch a deal for Eden Hazard.
However, the latest reports from Spain suggest Asensio could get the chance to remain in his homeland if Messi gets his way.
According to transfer rumours specialists Don Balon, Messi wants Barcelona to make a move for the 22-year-old.
The Argentine has apparently taken note of his lack of game time and believes he’d be a good fit for Barca.
Messi’s main motivation is a desire to get one over on Real as they go after his old team-mate Neymar.
Neymar left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain last summer but is widely expected to join Real at some point in the future.
And Messi is said to see the snaring Asensio as an opportunity to get revenge on Real for that prospective deal.
Asensio’s contract extension included a buy out clause valuing him at a whopping £439m (€500m).
But Messi believes Real may be willing to sell him for far less in order to fund their swoop for Neymar.
The last player to move directly between the El Clasico rivals was Luis Figo in 2000.
