Reports suggest Messi could consider highly limited short-term switch

February 3, 2026 Oliver Obel

Lionel Messi is again the subject of transfer speculation, following reports in Turkey suggesting Galatasaray are exploring a highly limited, short-term move for the Inter Miami forward.

Neither Messi nor either club has commented publicly, and the claims have surfaced during the MLS offseason, a period when temporary arrangements and short-term planning are more common.

Turkish reports revive speculation

According to Turkish broadcaster A Spor, Galatasaray have revisited earlier internal discussions about Messi and are now assessing whether a deal could be feasible under strict conditions.

Columnist Levent Tuzemen reported that the talks remain exploratory and are focused less on contract length than on logistics.

The proposal outlined would see Messi appear only in a small number of matches at Galatasaray’s Istanbul home stadium, with no away travel involved. A Spor said the club is “testing the conditions of a potential move”, while stressing that no agreement is in place.

Why the structure is unusual

At 38, Messi’s workload has been carefully managed in recent seasons, even as his influence and commercial appeal remain substantial.

For Galatasaray, a home-only arrangement could limit physical demands while still delivering significant matchday interest and global exposure — a balance that can shape negotiations involving veteran players.

Messi’s club career has taken him from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and, most recently, Inter Miami, where his arrival significantly boosted the profile of Major League Soccer.

Club leadership addresses the idea

Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek commented on speculation linking the club with Messi in remarks made last October, tempering expectations while acknowledging ambition.

Speaking to beIN Sports, Özbek said: “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.

“We’ve raised our level of success and consolidated our financial stability. That’s why people can now ask us about Messi without hesitation.”

Messi’s focus beyond club football

Away from club matters, Messi has also spoken about Argentina’s position heading into the next World Cup cycle.

Speaking to ESPN, he said: “We're an amazing group that gets along very well… Everyone gives their all, and that's a huge strength of this group and this national team.

“Argentina needs to take advantage of this moment. Coming off winning the World Cup gives you confidence and relief to prepare competitions differently.”

For now, any move to Istanbul remains speculative, but the reports again highlight how even a limited role for Messi continues to draw attention well beyond the MLS calendar.

Sources: A Spor, beIN Sports, ESPN