Lionel Messi Linked With Shock Galatasaray Move As Turkish Giants Open Talks
Lionel Messi Contemplates Short-Term Move to Galatasaray
Turkish media reports suggest that Lionel Messi is considering a temporary transfer to Galatasaray, potentially uniting the Argentine superstar with Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in Turkey.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner may depart from Major League Soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Currently, Messi is on a break from competitive play, with the new MLS season set to start on February 21.
Sources indicate that Messi is weighing a four-month stint in Europe to maintain his physical condition for the upcoming global tournament. Turkish football analyst Levent Tüzemen reported that discussions between Messi and Galatasaray have occurred, with the forward allegedly open to a deal encompassing 12 matches.
However, Messi is said to have a critical stipulation: he would only play home games in Istanbul and would not participate in any away fixtures.
“The management confirmed it too. They wanted to arrange Lionel Messi for Galatasaray from the USA,” Tüzemen told A Spor.
Messi has expressed concerns about the intense demands of the American league, emphasizing his desire to avoid injury prior to the World Cup. “Al Hilal made an offer, and he did not accept it. If Messi comes, one million people will go to the airport,” Tüzemen added, noting Messi’s condition of playing exclusively in Istanbul.
Galatasaray is reportedly advancing negotiations as the transfer window approaches its Thursday deadline. The club has a series of upcoming home matches, including league games, a Turkish Cup group match, and a UEFA Champions League playoff against Juventus. It remains unclear if Messi would participate in any away matches should a deal be finalized.
If the transfer is completed, it would reunite Messi with a notable rival of the Nigerian national team and pair him with Osimhen, who has excelled since joining Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals in 47 appearances last season.
Messi previously led Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title in 2025. Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has not dismissed the possibility of signing Messi, stating, “You can’t live without dreaming. Will we see Messi wearing the Galatasaray shirt one day? We have set the bar very high.”
Ozbek also noted the club’s improved financial situation, allowing them to pursue high-profile players like Messi without hesitation.
