Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is reportedly poised to make a sensational move to Turkish football, joining Galatasaray on a short-term contract. Sources suggest that the deal comes with an unusual stipulation: Messi will only feature in home matches, avoiding away fixtures entirely. The Argentine superstar’s primary objective is to maintain peak fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting this carefully structured return to European football.
Turkish football analyst Levent Tuzeman has claimed that discussions between Messi and Galatasaray are already underway. According to Tuzeman, the proposed agreement spans four months and includes a total of 12 matches, all to be held at Istanbul’s Rams Park. The condition that Messi will only play at home has raised eyebrows, but it is reportedly intended to manage the overwhelming attention his presence would generate in Turkey.
Tuzeman revealed these details during a live broadcast on A Spor, following Galatasaray’s 4–0 victory over Kayserispor. “The management has confirmed the discussions,” Tuzeman said. “Messi had been approached to play in the United States, but he indicated that the pace of the MLS is too demanding, and he does not want to risk injury before the World Cup.”
Despite offers from the Saudi Pro League, including Al-Hilal, Messi has declined to move to the Middle East. Tuzeman added, “Messi made it clear that he will come to Istanbul on the condition that he only plays home matches. If he signs, one million fans could flock to the airport to greet him.”
While Messi is reportedly only committed to home fixtures, Tuzeman suggested that he could participate in the Turkish Cup final if Galatasaray reaches the stage. This aligns with Messi’s previously stated ambition to avoid becoming a burden for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. With the new MLS season beginning in spring, the Argentine icon sought competitive matches of high intensity, which he may not currently find in the United States.
Former player Terry Felan, who played in the United States with the Charleston Battery, commented: “Messi is clearly focused on the World Cup. He does not need money from Saudi Arabia. If he wants to challenge himself, he needs to play in tougher competitions. Right now, everything is too easy for him — statistics and video analysis make it seem like a video game. That is not healthy for a player of his calibre.”
Messy has yet to officially confirm his participation in the 2026 World Cup, but expectations are that he will respond to the call of Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni and lead the team once again. If he does, the tournament will mark his 200th international appearance.
Proposed Galatasaray Contract Summary:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Contract duration | 4 months |
| Total matches | 12 |
| Match locations | Istanbul, Rams Park (home only) |
| Away matches | None |
| Potential additional matches | Turkish Cup final (if team qualifies) |
| World Cup objective | Maintain fitness for 2026 tournament |
Messi’s arrival in Turkey promises to create unprecedented excitement among fans, and his participation could significantly boost Galatasaray’s home game attendance and global profile. Football enthusiasts worldwide will be closely watching how this carefully curated short-term move unfolds.