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Lionel Messi Linked with Galatasaray Move to Join Osimhen

Published

3 months ago

February 4, 2026

Messi Galatasaray Victor Osimhen reports suggest the Argentine could join the Turkish giants for a short-term stint, playing alongside Osimhen

Lionel Messi has been linked with a surprise move to Turkish champions Galatasaray, a switch that could see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner line up alongside Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports in Turkey.

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The Inter Miami forward is currently on a break ahead of the new Major League Soccer season, which begins on February 21, and is reportedly considering a short-term move to maintain peak fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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

A key condition would see Messi play only home fixtures in Istanbul.

“The management confirmed it too. They wanted to arrange Lionel Messi for Galatasaray from the USA,” Tüzemen said on 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… He stated that he would play 12 matches provided he does not go to away games.”

Galatasaray reportedly have six remaining home matches in the Super Lig, a home Turkish Cup fixture, and a UEFA Champions League play-off home tie against Juventus.

It remains unclear whether Messi would participate in any away legs if the deal proceeds.

If completed, Messi would join forces with Osimhen, who scored 37 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions last season, helping Galatasaray secure a domestic double in 2024/25.

Galatasaray currently lead the Super Lig table with 49 points, three ahead of rivals Fenerbahce, with 14 matches remaining.

Club president Dursun Ozbek previously spoke on the possibility of signing Messi in October, emphasising the club’s ambition and financial stability.

“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,” he said.