Galatasaray are hoping to make a blockbuster deal when looking to recruit Lionel Messi from Inter Miami on loan in the January transfer window.
According to a source from Turkey, the top team Super Lig wants to bring the Argentine superstar to Istanbul to help him maintain his playing form ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while creating a big boost in image and expertise for the club.
Messi has recently extended his contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, when he will turn 41. Many people believe that this will be the last contract in the glorious career of the Argentine superstar. However, an unexpected turning point is still possible, opening a dramatic final chapter in the great journey of the world football legend.
For now, Messi could add a potential destination to his list of options if he accepts Galatasaray's offer. The Turkish team's leadership is closely monitoring the situation of the Argentine superstar and is ready to act if there is a chance to bring him to Istanbul.
Some sources say that the offer from Galatasaray could attract Messi, as this is an opportunity to help him maintain his fitness and feel the ball ahead of next year's World Cup. As MLS prepare to enter the post-season break, the possibility of El Pulga temporarily leaving Inter Miami on loan could become a reality.
Inter Miami are aiming to play until December 6, when the MLS Cup final will take place. Messi's side are now in the play-offs, having finished third in the Eastern Conference after Philadelphia and Cincinnati. They have overcome Nashville SC and are preparing to enter the decisive match this weekend to qualify for the second round.
Messi continues to prove his class when leading the scoring list in MLS with 32 goals, contributing greatly to Inter Miami becoming a strong candidate for the championship.
From December to at least March, Messi will not play at club level. Galatasaray are said to be taking advantage of this time to invite him to Turkey to play on a short-term loan.
Messi's £15 million salary each year at Inter Miami - jointly funded by Adidas and Apple - could become a major obstacle for any team that wants to own him. However, Galatasaray does not seem to be afraid to spend, especially after they just broke the Turkish football transfer record with the Victor Osimhen deal, worth 65 million pounds, with a salary of 250,000 pounds/week.
With great ambition and strong financial potential, this team is said to be ready to spend big once again if they have the opportunity to bring Messi to the Super League in the winter transfer window.
Leroy Sane has been handed a contract worth around £7.6 million a year by Galatasaray, while Ilkay Gundogan has also moved to Istanbul for around £4 million a year. However, if Messi appears, it will be an iconic contract, not only upgrading the squad of coach Okan Buruk, but also strongly increasing Galatasaray's brand appeal and ambition to conquer Europe.
The 2022 World Cup winner once admitted that he had considered retirement. At the ceremony to receive the key to Miami city, Messi shared that he is reflecting on the next steps after more than two decades of being in top-flight football.
"I have had a very long sports career and I am still continuing, but now I am more interested in what I am doing and what I can do. Unfortunately, football has expired. At some point, it will end" - Messi said.
