Lionel Messi Reportedly Sets Two Conditions for Potential Galatasaray Transfer
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is reportedly considering a surprising move to reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray, according to recent media reports. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, currently in his third season with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, has allegedly established two specific conditions that must be met for the transfer to materialize.
Messi's Current Situation and Achievements
The 38-year-old forward is currently participating in Inter Miami's preseason camp after leading the club to the 2025 Major League Soccer title. Messi claimed the MLS Most Valuable Player award with an impressive record of 29 goals and 19 assists in just 28 regular-season appearances. He also guided the Herons to the MLS Supporters' Shield, significantly elevating the club's profile since his free transfer arrival in July 2023.
Messi has featured in preseason friendlies against Alianza Lima and Atletico Nacional, with expectations that he will play against Barcelona de Guayaquil on Saturday, February 7. The Argentine icon is also set to lead his national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Two Specific Conditions for Galatasaray
According to reports from Daily Sabah, Messi has outlined two clear conditions for joining Galatasaray:
- Limited Home Appearances: Messi would only play in the 12 home matches at RAMS Stadium in Istanbul throughout the season.
- No Away Travel: The football superstar would not travel for any away matches during the remainder of the 2025/26 Turkish League season.
This arrangement would essentially create a unique cameo role for the legendary player, allowing him to maintain his fitness and form while minimizing travel demands as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup.
Galatasaray's Perspective and Financial Capability
Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has expressed strong interest in bringing Messi to Turkey on a short-term loan arrangement. Ozbek emphasized the club's financial capability to pursue such a high-profile transfer, stating: "You can't live without dreaming. Will we see Messi wearing the Galatasaray shirt someday? We've set the bar very high. Our financial situation allows us to ask about Messi without a problem."
The Turkish club president reminded fans of Galatasaray's ambitious transfer history, referencing their record signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli. This demonstrates the club's willingness to make bold moves in the transfer market to secure top talent.
Fan Reactions and Skepticism
The reported conditions have generated mixed reactions from football fans worldwide. Some express confusion about Messi's potential motivations, questioning why he would choose limited participation with Galatasaray over more lucrative offers from other leagues.
One fan commented: "Why will Messi play only 12 home matches for Galatasaray, and not in Saudi league where he has been offered a blank cheque? If it is not about money, then what can be the motivation for limited participation only?"
Another fan noted: "Messi playing only home games sounds more like a legend cameo than a real transfer. Still wild if Galatasaray even try. Love Messi, but this feels unrealistic. Elite football doesn't work on custom schedules."
Contract Extension Possibilities
Meanwhile, separate reports indicate that Messi is also considering extending his contract with Inter Miami. The new deal would potentially keep him at the Major League Soccer club until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This development adds another layer of complexity to the transfer speculation surrounding the Argentine superstar.
Messi's career experienced a significant resurgence in December 2022 when he led Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, defeating France in a memorable final. This triumph marked a remarkable turnaround in the latter stages of his illustrious career.
