Lionel Messi, one of the most iconic figures in global football, could be set for a surprising short-term move to Galatasaray, according to reports out of Turkey. The news has sent shockwaves through the football world, with many speculating about the possibility of the Argentine maestro teaming up with Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, at the Turkish powerhouse.
Currently enjoying a break from competitive football after guiding Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title in 2025, Messi is said to be contemplating a temporary departure from the Major League Soccer scene. The new MLS season is set to begin on February 21, but with the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, Messi is reportedly looking for ways to maintain peak fitness in preparation for the global tournament.
Sources have revealed that Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s biggest and most successful football clubs, have been in discussions with Messi’s representatives regarding a short-term, four-month deal. This potential agreement would see Messi play 12 matches for the Turkish side, but with one major stipulation: all appearances must be made exclusively in Istanbul. Messi has reportedly expressed a preference for avoiding away fixtures, with a keen desire to remain based in Istanbul, where Galatasaray’s home ground, RAMS Park, is located.
Levent Tüzemen, a respected Turkish football commentator, confirmed the development, saying, “The management confirmed it too. They wanted to arrange Lionel Messi for Galatasaray from the USA.” Tüzemen further shared Messi’s concerns about the MLS’ demanding schedule and the risk of injury ahead of the World Cup, adding, “Messi says that the tempo in the American league is too demanding for him and he does not want to go to the World Cup injured.” According to reports, Messi turned down an offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, a testament to his intent to focus on his fitness for the 2026 World Cup.
The discussions between Galatasaray and Messi have reportedly intensified as the January transfer window draws to a close. The club, which currently sits atop the Turkish Süper Lig with 49 points—three clear of Fenerbahçe—has been evaluating the feasibility of the deal. Should the transfer materialize, Messi would link up with Osimhen, who has been a key player for Galatasaray since joining the club. Osimhen’s stellar performances in the 2024/25 season, where he scored 37 goals in 47 appearances, have made him one of the most formidable strikers in Europe.
Galatasaray, who have six remaining home league matches, along with one home fixture in the Turkish Cup and a UEFA Champions League playoff against Juventus, are hoping to make the most of this opportunity. However, it remains uncertain whether Messi would be willing to play the away leg against Juventus if the deal goes through.
Club president Dursun Özbek has previously addressed the possibility of bringing Messi to Galatasaray. In October, he expressed an openness to the idea, stating, “You can’t live without dreaming. Will we see Messi wearing the Galatasaray shirt one day? We have set the bar very high. Our financial situation allows us to ask about Messi without a problem. We have raised our level of success and consolidated our financial stability, which is why people can now ask us about Messi without hesitation.”
This potential move, if completed, would mark the latest chapter in Messi’s illustrious career and could reshape the landscape of Turkish football. For the Super Lig, it would be a landmark moment that highlights the growing financial stability and ambition of clubs like Galatasaray, while adding another layer of intrigue to the already competitive league.
