Lionel Messi has made it clear that his major precedence is staying totally match heading into the 2026 World Cup with Argentina. To take care of his rhythm in the course of the prolonged MLS offseason, the Inter Miami star may observe within the footsteps of David Beckham and Thierry Henry, as a UEFA Champions League contender is reportedly exploring a transfer for him in the course of the league’s break.
The 2025 MLS season is nearing its finish, with the Philadelphia Union winners of the Supporters’ Protect and the MLS Cup playoffs at present underway, however the three-month offseason presents a problem for gamers making ready for the World Cup. In Messi’s case, the break opens the door for a attainable short-term return to Europe, and a stunning membership has emerged as a candidate.
Based on Turkish outlet Fotomaç, Galatasaray are fascinated by signing Messi on a four-month mortgage deal. The Turkish giants have been monitoring the star’s scenario intently, and with MLS motion pausing quickly, the chance to make a transfer may change into real looking.
After a sluggish begin to 2025 because of health points, Messi discovered high type earlier than being suspended for lacking the MLS All-Star Recreation. He later suffered an harm towards Necaxa within the Leagues Cup in August, sidelining him for a number of Inter Miami matches.
Lionel Messi exits the sport towards Necaxa injured.
Earlier than that setback, Messi spoke candidly concerning the significance of taking part in constantly to remain sharp: “It’s robust. It’s actually scorching and, since I didn’t play the opposite day — which in idea ought to be factor — it truly made it tougher for me. I have to compete, as a result of I really feel bodily higher as I play matches and get into rhythm. At the beginning I felt a bit heavy. They didn’t let me play the opposite day, and I felt it at this time, particularly within the first half.“
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Galatasaray are thriving within the 2025–26 marketing campaign, sitting atop the Turkish league and at present ninth within the Champions League standings after profitable towards Liverpool and Ajax, amongst others. With membership executives reportedly prepared to cowl Messi’s wage, a short-term deal may see the Argentine face Atlético Madrid and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Metropolis as soon as once more in January for the UCL video games.
Previous MLS stars who made offseason strikes
Messi’s last recreation for Inter Miami in 2024 got here within the MLS Cup first-round Recreation 3 towards Atlanta United on November 9, whereas the 2025 MLS opener didn’t arrive till February 22, almost 4 months later. That lengthy hole mirrors conditions confronted by earlier MLS icons who quickly moved to Europe to remain sharp.
In 2009, Landon Donovan and David Beckham turned pioneers of the pattern, leaving MLS on short-term loans earlier than the brand new season kicked off. Donovan first joined Bayern Munich, then later Everton, whereas Beckham made consecutive winter strikes to AC Milan in 2009 and 2010 forward of the World Cup.
The final main star to observe that path was Thierry Henry, who returned to Arsenal for 2 months throughout his time with the New York Crimson Bulls, famously scoring key objectives in his temporary spell. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Messi may now be a part of that choose group of MLS legends who made a brief European comeback.
