Galatasaray Eyes Ambitious Lionel Messi Move as President Ozbek Hints at Possibility

Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has signalled the possibility of a stunning approach for Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, following growing speculation of an off-season switch to the Turkish giants. The Argentine star, who turns 38 this year, has continued to attract interest across Europe, and a short spell in Turkey could provide him with valuable competitive minutes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sources familiar with internal discussions learnt that Galatasaray’s hierarchy is closely monitoring Messi’s situation in the United States, while senior club figures are confident the club’s current sporting and financial trajectory could appeal to the World Cup winner. Ozbek, who has overseen a period of strategic growth at the Istanbul powerhouse, suggested that their ambitions naturally invite questions about marquee arrivals.

“You mentioned Messi? Our strongest reputation today comes from the calibre of transfers we consistently complete,” Ozbek said in remarks obtained by PulseNets through club insiders.
“We have lifted our success level significantly, so it is only natural for people to ask about Messi.”

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The Galatasaray president further clarified that any pursuit would remain aligned with the club’s disciplined financial framework—an approach that has been central to its recent resurgence.

“Everything we build must stay within our financial limits,” he added.
“We are committed to strengthening the team without compromising our stability.”