Messi returns to Europe for 4 months, joining the champions to compete in the Champions League?

While MLS is on pause, Galatasaray is preparing to loan Lionel Messi for four months to enhance their squad and generate a landmark commercial impact for Turkish football.

According to Fotomac, Galatasaray—the reigning Turkish champions—are plotting a sensational move by aiming to sign Lionel Messi on a short-term loan deal. The club believes this is the perfect moment to bring the Argentine superstar back to Europe, especially as the MLS season will be on hold from December to March next year.

Galatasaray is willing to cover Messi’s entire salary during his time at the club, estimated to be worth tens of millions of pounds. Fotomac’s editor-in-chief, Zeki Uzundurukan, revealed that Galatasaray’s management has been monitoring Messi’s situation for weeks and is confident they can persuade him to play in Istanbul for about four months. “They see this as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have one of the greatest footballers in history, even if only for a short period,” the article stated.

Currently, Inter Miami’s MLS season has ended after their playoff elimination. Without a special agreement, Messi would have to stay inactive from December to March, risking losing his touch ahead of the 2026 World Cup preparations. Therefore, temporarily playing in Europe could be a sensible option to maintain his fitness and form.

Galatasaray is currently leading the Turkish Süper Lig with an unbeaten streak and is competing in the Champions League group stage. Signing Messi would not only boost their sporting strength but also create massive media attention, elevating the club’s global profile.

The club’s management has confirmed they are ready to “open the vault” to pay a salary comparable to Messi’s Inter Miami contract, currently valued at around £15 million per year—mostly sponsored by Adidas and Apple.

Previously, Galatasaray demonstrated strong financial power with blockbuster signings like Victor Osimhen (£65 million), Leroy Sane, and Ilkay Gundogan. A short-term deal with Messi, though costly, remains within the club’s financial reach.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami may not easily approve the proposal. MLS usually does not permit players to compete for other clubs during the break, especially iconic stars like Messi, who remains a key figurehead for the league. Nevertheless, Galatasaray’s insiders remain optimistic, believing “once Messi agrees, the rest can be worked out.”

If the deal goes through, Messi will wear Galatasaray’s jersey from December 2025 to March 2026, marking his first return to Europe since leaving PSG. Although only for four months, this will be one of the most high-profile short-term contracts in football history, opening the possibility for the Argentine legend to play in the Champions League again.

Even as his career approaches its twilight, Lionel Messi continues to demonstrate his global appeal. Should Galatasaray succeed in this “crazy deal,” Istanbul will become a new historic landmark in contemporary football.

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