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Inter Miami skipper Lionel Messi is in talks to join Galatasaray but would only play home fixtures for the Turkish Giants. The Argentine has been in Miami since arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.
Lionel Messi to join Galatasaray
The 38-year-old forward is contracted with the MLS side till the conclusion of the 2028 season, having agreed an extension last year. As announced by the club on their website in October, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said:
“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here."
According to a Turkish outlet A.Spor. Galatasaray are in conversation with Messi, who would only appear in the 12 remaining home games this season before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer.
Gala were in the fray for Messi's signature in October last year, with the club President Dursun Ozbek saying:
"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."
Three points clear of Fenerbahce atop the Turkish Super Lig after 20 matches, Galatasaray are into the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs, where they play Juventus at home in the first leg on February 17.
Inter Miami owner David Beckham heaps praise on Lionel Messi
After Lionel Messi's contract extension in October, club co-owner and former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham appreciated Messi for his commitment and professionalism for the Herons:
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done. We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game.
"He’s still as committed as he’s ever been, and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”
Lionel Messi has won the Leagues Cup, Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup with the Herons so far.
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