Key Takeaways:
- Galatasaray are pursuing a four-month loan deal for Lionel Messi, timed with the MLS off-season
- Club management are prepared to cover Messi’s full salary during his potential stint in Istanbul
- Galatasaray’s recent transfer activity includes signing Victor Osimhen for 75 million euros
Galatasaray Target Messi During MLS Off-Season
Galatasaray are reportedly plotting an extraordinary move to sign Lionel Messi on a short-term loan, with plans to bring the Argentine forward to Istanbul for four months. According to FotoMac, the Turkish club is looking to take advantage of the MLS calendar, which pauses from early December until March. With Messi keen to maintain peak condition ahead of next summer’s World Cup, the timing of a temporary switch aligns with both his ambitions and the club’s intentions.
🚨 Galatasaray wants to bring Leo Messi to the club on loan during the MLS break.
Galatasaray managers have said that they would pay his salary.
Galatasaray's scouts have been following Messi's situation for a long time. @fotomac pic.twitter.com/mOWp3sDKXy
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) November 5, 2025
Recent developments have seen further interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, with Abdullah Hamad, general director of the Mahd Academy and a prominent figure in Saudi football, confirming that Messi’s representatives approached local authorities about a potential loan deal. However, the Saudi sports minister did not approve the proposal. Galatasaray now presents an alternative option for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner during the Major League Soccer off-season.
Financial Commitment and Squad Investment
Messi, who recently inked a new three-year contract with Inter Miami, is currently earning a salary of approximately $20 million per year. The Istanbul side is reportedly willing to cover the full salary owed to Messi during the four-month loan period. Galatasaray have already demonstrated their financial might by securing Victor Osimhen for a record fee of 75 million euros – the highest ever paid by a Turkish club. Osimhen’s contract includes a salary of 15 million euros per season.
Star Power in the Galatasaray Squad
The Istanbul giants’ ambitions are further evidenced by their current roster, which includes high-profile signings such as Leroy Sané and Ilkay Gündogan, both recognised for their achievements at the top level of European football. The pursuit of Messi underscores Galatasaray’s intent to build an elite squad capable of competing at the highest levels both domestically and in European competitions.
