Lionel Messi has reportedly emerged as a surprise transfer target for Turkish champions Galatasaray, in a move that could see the Argentine icon briefly share a dressing room with Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen.
Turkish media reports claim the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is weighing a temporary exit from Major League Soccer as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Messi is currently on a competitive break, with the new MLS season set to start on February 21.
According to respected commentator Levent Tüzemen, preliminary contacts have taken place between Galatasaray officials and Messi’s camp over a proposed four-month arrangement covering up to 12 matches. The reported proposal includes an unusual condition: Messi would only feature in home games in Istanbul and would not travel for away fixtures, preferring to play exclusively at RAMS Park.
“The management confirmed it too. They wanted to arrange Lionel Messi for Galatasaray from the USA,” Tüzemen told A Spor. He added that the forward is cautious about sustaining injuries before the World Cup and is prioritising workload management.
Tüzemen also claimed Messi rejected an approach from Saudi club Al Hilal and indicated willingness to consider the Turkish option under the agreed conditions.
Galatasaray are said to have accelerated talks ahead of the transfer deadline, exploring whether a short-term agreement is financially and logistically feasible. The club still has six remaining league home fixtures, a Turkish Cup group-stage home match, and a Champions League play-off tie in Istanbul against Juventus. It is unclear whether Messi would agree to participate in the away leg if negotiations progress.
A successful deal would pair Messi with Osimhen, who has established himself as a central figure at the club. The Nigerian forward scored 37 goals in 47 appearances last season as Galatasaray secured a domestic double, while Messi recently guided Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title in 2025.
Galatasaray currently lead the Turkish Super Lig with 49 points, holding a narrow advantage over rivals Fenerbahce with 14 matches left in the campaign.
Club president Dursun Ozbek had earlier hinted at the ambition to attract global stars. Speaking in October, he said the club’s improved finances and sporting stature made even a move for Messi a topic supporters could legitimately imagine, underscoring Galatasaray’s intention to compete at the highest commercial and sporting level.
