A UEFA Champions League club is exploring a short-term loan for Lionel Messi during the MLS offseason, following the path of David Beckham and Thierry Henry. Turkish outlet Fotomaç reports that Galatasaray has interest in signing the Inter Miami star for four months to help him maintain fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The move could allow Messi to feature in key Champions League matches in January.
Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami forward, is prioritizing fitness for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina amid the upcoming three-month MLS offseason. With the 2025 MLS season concluding—Philadelphia Union as Supporters’ Shield winners and playoffs underway—a European return on a temporary basis has gained traction. According to Turkish outlet Fotomaç, Galatasaray are monitoring Messi's situation and are interested in a four-month loan deal, with club executives reportedly willing to cover his salary.
Messi faced challenges in 2025, starting slowly due to fitness issues before being suspended for missing the MLS All-Star Game. He then suffered an injury against Necaxa in the Leagues Cup in August, which sidelined him for several Inter Miami matches. Reflecting on the need for match rhythm, Messi said: “It’s tough. It’s really hot and, since I didn’t play the other day — which in theory should be a good thing — it actually made it harder for me. I need to compete, because I feel physically better as I play matches and get into rhythm. At the start I felt a bit heavy. They didn’t let me play the other day, and I felt it today, especially in the first half.”
Galatasaray are performing strongly in the 2025–26 season, leading the Turkish league and sitting ninth in the Champions League standings after victories over Liverpool and Ajax. A loan deal could see Messi face Atlético Madrid and Manchester City in January UCL fixtures.
This potential move echoes past MLS stars' offseason loans: David Beckham joined AC Milan in 2009 and 2010; Landon Donovan went to Bayern Munich and Everton in 2009; and Thierry Henry returned to Arsenal for two months with the New York Red Bulls, scoring key goals.