Galatasaray Still Pursuing Lionel Messi Despite Unusual Demands

Lionel Messi never ceases to be the center of attention. The Argentine megastar is reportedly likely to leave Inter Miami and is now linked with Turkish giants Galatasaray.

This news is very surprising given Messi's status and contract with Inter Miami, which is not due to end until December 2028. 

At 38 years old, La Pulga enjoys a fantastic salary and a central role at the club nicknamed The Herons. This situation makes rumors of Messi's departure seem nonsensical on paper.

However, European Football always holds surprises. Quoted from Sportbible based on a report from Turkish media A Spor, Galatasaray is said to have reopened talks with Messi after an initial approach in 2025. 

This time, Cimbom is reportedly seriously exploring the opportunity to bring the World Football icon to Istanbul.

Nevertheless, the path to an agreement is far from simple. In the ongoing talks, Lionel Messi is claimed to have made several unusual demands. 

One of the most striking demands is his desire not to play in Galatasaray's away matches.

Messi is also said to only want to play in 12 remaining matches for Galatasaray, all of them to be played in Istanbul. 

This request immediately raises big questions, both technically and commercially, considering the standards of elite European competition.

To date, communication between the two parties is still ongoing. Galatasaray is reportedly seriously considering all the conditions put forward by the Argentina National Team captain.

"The Turkish giants are testing the waters for the possibility of this transfer, with discussions progressing quickly," the report stated.

If this transfer truly materializes, Messi will add a new chapter to his professional career journey. So far, he has only played for three teams: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.

Messi's greatest success was recorded while playing for Barcelona. At Camp Nou, he won almost all prestigious trophies, including the Champions League and Club World Cup, before conquering the international stage with Argentina.

Now, the question is not just whether Galatasaray can meet Messi's conditions, but whether this living Football Legend is still interested in closing his career with an exotic challenge in Turkey.