Lionel Messi Sets 2 Conditions to Join Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray
- Argentine legend Lionel Messi is reportedly considering a move to the reigning Turkish champions, Galatasaray
- The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently in his third season with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami
- The 10-time La Liga champion is also set to lead Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico
Argentine legend Lionel Messi has reportedly set two conditions for Turkish giants Galatasaray ahead of a potential move during the transfer window.
The Barcelona icon is currently taking part in Inter Miami’s preseason camp after leading the club to the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) title.
Source: Getty Images
Messi also claimed the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after registering 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 regular-season appearances.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star guided the Herons to the MLS Supporters’ Shield, further elevating the club’s profile since joining on a free transfer in July 2023.
The 38-year-old has featured in preseason friendlies against Alianza Lima and Atletico Nacional and is expected to play against Barcelona de Guayaquil on Saturday, February 7.
Messi to Galatasaray is almost done
Four-time UEFA Champions League winner Lionel Messi has stated his conditions to wear the colours of Galatasaray.
According to Daily Sabah, the World Cup winner stated that he would play in the 12 home matches at RAMS stadium in Istanbul.
Messi's second condition is that he will not travel for their away matches for the rest of the 2025/26 Turkish League.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek vowed to land Lionel Messi in Turkey on a short loan.
Ozbek added that Messi could return to Europe to stay sharp ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He 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.”
Ozbek reminded fans of the club that Galatasaray had made a bold move in the past, following the record signing of Victor Osimhen from Napoli, per beIN Sports.
Source: Getty Images
Fans react to Messi's move to Galatasaray
@mussarat_zia said:
"I am a bit confused.
"Why will Messi play only 12 home matches for Galatasaray, & not in Saudi league where he has been offered a blank cheque?
"If it is not about money, than what can be the motivation for limited participation only."
@krishnakapadia_ wrote:
"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."
@Baldy_Barker added:
"Makes sense I suppose. A very very small man playing for a very very small club like Galatasaray"
Messi to sign new contract
Legit.ng earlier reported that Argentine legend Lionel Messi is reportedly set to extend his Inter Miami contract, with the new deal set to keep him at the Major League Soccer club until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
December 2022 sparked a turnaround to the latter years of Messi's illustrious career when he led Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, beating France in the final.
Source: Legit.ng
