According to reports in Turkey, Lionel Messi has been linked with a surprise move to Galatasaray, a switch that could see him line up alongside Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen at the Turkish giants.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently enjoying a break from competitive football, with the new Major League Soccer season scheduled to begin on February 21.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the Inter Miami star is said to be considering a temporary move away from MLS in order to maintain peak fitness ahead of the tournament.

Renowned Turkish football commentator Levent Tüzemen has claimed that discussions between Galatasaray and Messi have taken place, with the Argentine reportedly open to a four-month deal that would cover 12 matches.

However, the move would be subject to a major condition, all appearances must take place in Istanbul, with Messi unwilling to feature in away fixtures and keen 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.

“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. 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 now said to have opened talks with Messi and his representatives over a sensational short-term move before the transfer window closes on Thursday.

The Turkish champions have six remaining home matches in the league, alongside one home fixture in the group stage of the Turkish Cup and a UEFA Champions League play-off home tie against Juventus. It remains unclear whether Messi would be willing to play the away leg against the Serie A side if the deal materialises.

Reports indicate that Galatasaray are currently assessing the feasibility of the move, with discussions progressing rapidly.

If completed, Messi—long regarded as a nemesis of the Super Eagles at the international level—would link up with Nigerian talisman Osimhen, who has quickly become a key figure at the club.

While Messi guided Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title in 2025, Osimhen powered Galatasaray to a domestic double in the 2024/25 season, scoring 37 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.

Galatasaray currently top the Super Lig table with 49 points, three clear of Fenerbahce with 14 matches remaining.

Club president Dursun Ozbek was previously asked about the possibility of bringing Messi to Turkey in October and did not dismiss the idea.

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.”