Lionel Messi has been linked with a stunning short-term move to Galatasaray, a transfer that could see the Argentine icon team up with Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in Turkey.
Reports from Turkish media suggest the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is considering a temporary exit from Major League Soccer as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Messi is currently on a break from competitive action, with the new MLS season set to kick off on February 21.
The Inter Miami captain is believed to be weighing four months in Europe to maintain top physical condition ahead of the global tournament. Turkish football analyst Levent Tüzemen claims that talks between Galatasaray and Messi have already taken place, with the forward reportedly open to a deal covering 12 matches.
However, Messi is said to have one key condition. All of his appearances must be in Istanbul, with no willingness to feature in away fixtures.
“The management confirmed it too. They wanted to arrange Lionel Messi for Galatasaray from the USA,” Tüzemen told A Spor.
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.
“Al Hilal made an offer and he did not accept it. If Messi comes, one million people will go to the airport,” Tüzemen said. “Messi said he would come on the condition that he plays in Istanbul. He stated that he would play 12 matches provided he does not go to away games.”
Galatasaray are reportedly pushing ahead with negotiations as the transfer window nears its Thursday deadline.
The club has several upcoming home fixtures, including league games, a Turkish Cup group match and a UEFA Champions League play-off tie against Juventus. It remains uncertain whether Messi would travel for the away leg if a deal is finalised.
If completed, the move would reunite Messi with a familiar rival of the Super Eagles and pair him with Osimhen, who has been outstanding since joining Galatasaray. The Nigerian forward scored 37 goals in 47 games during the club’s 2024-2025 domestic double-winning campaign.
Messi, meanwhile, led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title in 2025.
Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek previously refused to rule out a move for Messi.
As quoted by beIN Sports, he said, “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.”
