The Turkish Giant Interested in Lionel Messi: “We Will Do Everything Possible”
The Turkish dream takes shape: Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek admitted they will “do everything possible” to sign Lionel Messi on a short-term loan once the MLS season ends. The Argentine could return to Europe to stay sharp ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Most Unexpected Return: Messi Back in Europe?
The name Lionel Messi is once again shaking the international market—this time, the echo comes from Turkey. Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has fueled fans’ hopes by admitting that the club “will do everything possible” to sign the Argentine superstar on a short-term loan once the MLS season with Inter Miami concludes.
In recent statements, Özbek made his intentions clear: “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.”
The president also highlighted the club’s stability, noting that Galatasaray has built a winning foundation in recent years with strategic and ambitious signings. With a solid project and healthy finances, the Istanbul giant feels ready to attract one of the biggest names in football history.
A Calculated Move: Short Loan, Huge Impact
Galatasaray’s plan is not a permanent signing, but rather to take advantage of the MLS winter break, when Messi will have nearly three months without official competition. The idea would be a short loan—similar to past cases like David Beckham and Landon Donovan, who played briefly in Europe while under MLS contracts.
The goal for Galatasaray is clear: to keep Messi in top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup while also boosting Galatasaray’s Champions League campaign. The Turkish club is currently fighting for a spot among the top 16 teams in Europe, and Messi’s arrival could be the spark needed to achieve that ambition.
Dursun Özbek Stays Bold: “We’re Ready to Dream”
Far from shying away from expectations, Özbek sounded confident in the club’s ability to face a challenge of this magnitude. “We’ve raised our level of success and consolidated our financial stability. That’s why people can now ask us about Messi without hesitation,” he declared.
The president reminded the public that Galatasaray has proven its ambition before—pointing to past bold moves like the record-breaking signing of Victor Osimhen, and assured that the management will not jeopardize the club’s financial health, but also won’t miss unique opportunities.
A Turkish Dream Within Reach?
Although no formal negotiations exist yet, the mere mention of Lionel Messi in connection with Galatasaray has unleashed a wave of excitement among Turkish fans. The idea of seeing the World Cup champion wearing the iconic yellow and red colors represents much more than a market rumor, it’s a statement of ambition and pride.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami continues its journey in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Messi as its biggest star. Once the MLS season ends, the Argentine will have a long break before the next campaign begins, opening a potential window for this historic move.
If it happens, Messi’s spell in Istanbul would be one of the most unexpected chapters of his career, a masterstroke for Galatasaray in its quest to reclaim a spot among Europe’s elite.
