Messi sets two conditions for his return to European football

Lionel Messi is said to have established two crucial requirements for his comeback at a renowned European team.

In the 20th round of the Turkish Super League, Galatasaray comfortably defeated Kayserispor 4-0 at home. After the match, commentator Levent Tuzemen revealed a sensational transfer-related update about the yellow-red club during a live broadcast on A Spor.

Based on insider information, Tuzemen mentioned that Lionel Messi has been discussed in Galatasaray’s talks. According to him, the Argentine superstar is willing to consider playing for the Turkish club provided he only competes in Istanbul, to maintain peak fitness ahead of the World Cup.

Specifically, Tuzemen disclosed that Galatasaray’s management has confirmed this information. Messi reportedly does not want to continue playing in MLS due to concerns over the intensity and injury risks, which could impact his participation in the 2026 World Cup. Previously, Al Hilal made an offer that was declined.

According to shared sources, the Argentine star expressed a desire to play approximately 12 matches over four months, all held in Istanbul and without having to travel for away games. Tuzemen emphasized that this is currently just a proposal under consideration, but if the deal goes through, Istanbul airport could welcome millions of fans on the day Messi arrives in Turkey.

Messi left top-level European football in the summer of 2023 to join Inter Miami in MLS. Since then, the Argentine superstar has appeared in 88 matches for the Florida club, scoring 77 goals and providing 44 assists, becoming a key figure in the club’s most successful period ever.

In his first year, Messi helped Inter Miami win their first major trophy by securing the 2023 Leagues Cup. Not stopping there, the 1987-born forward continued to lead the team to victory in the MLS Supporters’ Shield, setting a record for the highest points tally in the league. By December last year, Messi and his teammates completed their trophy collection by winning the 2025 MLS Cup, confirming his outstanding impact since arriving in the USA.

If he returns to Europe wearing Galatasaray’s colors, Messi will have the chance to compete again in the Champions League, where the Turkish champions will face Juventus in the play-off round for a spot in the round of 16.