Galatasaray Eyes Lionel Messi as Club President Fuels Transfer Talk

Galatasaray transfer rumors surged today as the club’s president, Dursun Ozbek, strongly hinted at a potential move for global football icon Lionel Messi from Inter Miami. This bold ambition comes as Galatasaray continue their reign over Turkish football, having captured three consecutive league titles and notched a record-breaking 102 points in the 2023-24 season.

Galatasaray Transfer Rumors: Messi the Latest High-Profile Target

Galatasaray’s recent transfer activity reads like a who’s who of football stars. The club propelled its dominance with signings such as Mauro Icardi, who arrived on loan and quickly became the Turkish Super Lig’s top scorer before securing a permanent deal. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen followed, breaking the Turkish transfer record with his £65 million move. Free agents like Wilfried Zaha and Dries Mertens added further firepower, reinforcing Galatasaray’s reputation for attracting elite talent.

Yet, securing Messi’s signature would be a seismic leap. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has led the MLS club to its first-ever trophy with the Leagues Cup, inspired their 2024 Supporters’ Shield triumph, and set regular-season points records. His arrival has not only elevated Miami but has also transformed the perception of MLS on the global stage.

Club President Ozbek Confident on Galatasaray Transfer Rumors

Despite Messi’s superstar status and new contract with Inter Miami, Dursun Ozbek remains undeterred. When asked by Turkish media about the Galatasaray transfer rumors, Ozbek responded with optimism: “Did you say Messi? Galatasaray’s most successful point is the transfers it has made. We didn’t make too many, but we made the transfers we needed, keeping the backbone of our championship team. We raised the bar with our signings and have the economic strength for such transfers.”

Ozbek emphasized the club’s financial management, stating, “All the work we do stays within our financial capacity. We have built a good team, and hopefully, we have goals in Europe. We will do whatever it takes to reach these goals.” For more news and updates on football’s biggest stories, visit for more news.

Obstacles for Galatasaray in Pursuing Messi

While the Galatasaray transfer rumors are gaining momentum, major hurdles remain. Messi recently extended his stay at Inter Miami until 2028, expressing his happiness in Florida and the positive family environment he’s found. “Here in Miami it was different because it was a family decision. Since arriving in Miami, the experience has been wonderful… Living in this amazing city first, then the affection of the people! Everything,” Messi shared.

Financial considerations are also significant. Messi’s wages at Inter Miami reportedly stand at an eye-watering £15 million per season, but Galatasaray have shown a willingness to spend big to secure top-tier talent.

Is a Galatasaray-Messi Deal Realistic?

Despite the strong Galatasaray transfer rumors and the president’s public encouragement, the likelihood of Messi swapping Miami for Istanbul appears slim—at least in the immediate future. However, one potential window exists: the MLS off-season from December to March, when Messi is not engaged in domestic competition. This period could provide an opportunity for a short-term deal, but it’s far from guaranteed.

Opinion: Galatasaray’s Ambition is Admirable, but Messi Remains Unlikely

The Galatasaray transfer rumors surrounding Lionel Messi reflect the club’s ambition and growing confidence in the European transfer market. While the Turkish champions have repeatedly shown they can attract big names, Messi’s emotional ties to Inter Miami, recent contract extension, and family happiness in the U.S. suggest that any move is unlikely in the near term. Nonetheless, Galatasaray’s ongoing pursuit of world-class talent will only strengthen their profile—making future marquee signings more plausible. Even if Messi remains a dream, the club’s ambition alone is a statement of intent.