The football world has been rocked by claims from Turkey suggesting that Lionel Messi could be set for a sensational, short-term move to Galatasaray. According to veteran commentator Levent Tüzemen, the Inter Miami superstar has reportedly given a “conditional green light” to a unique four-month project in Istanbul.
Speaking live on A Spor following Galatasaray’s 4-0 thumping of Kayserispor, Tüzemen revealed that the Turkish giants are exploring a bespoke deal to bring the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to RAMS Park. The objective? To keep Messi in peak physical condition ahead of Argentina’s title defense at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The “Istanbul-Only” Clause
According to the report, Messi’s potential arrival comes with a highly specific set of conditions. The Argentine legend is allegedly open to a 12-game stint, but with a catch: he would only play matches held in Istanbul. This “no-away-games” policy is reportedly designed to minimize travel fatigue and the risk of injury, concerns that Messi feels could be exacerbated by the grueling travel schedule of Major League Soccer (MLS). By staying in Istanbul, Messi would maintain match rhythm while avoiding the physical toll of long-distance trips across Turkey.
Race Against Time
While the prospect of Messi partnering with stars like Victor Osimhen has electrified the Cimbom faithful, the clock is ticking. The Turkish transfer window is set to close on February 6th, leaving the Galatasaray board very little time to finalize a deal with Inter Miami.
“The management confirmed it,” Tüzemen stated. “They want to bring Messi from the USA to Galatasaray. He wants to be ready for the World Cup and feels the MLS pace might hinder his preparation.”
Inter Miami’s Stance
Despite the rumors, Messi remains under a lucrative contract with Inter Miami through 2028. Since his arrival in Florida, he has been nothing short of transformative, recording 77 goals and 44 assists in 88 appearances. While the MLS offseason offers a window for a loan, pryng the world’s greatest player away from David Beckham’s project—even for four months—remains a monumental task.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
