Lionel Messi to Galatasaray in January – Romano reveals state of play

Fabrizio Romano has shot down reports that Lionel Messi could move to Galatasaray on a short-term loan in January.

Turkish publication Fotomac claimed this week that Galatasaray are interested in finalising a “groundbreaking” deal for the 38-year-old.

The deal would have seen the Turkish giants sign Messi on a four-month loan deal in January.

The report stated that if Inter Miami reach the MLS Cup final, Messi’s last game of the season would come on 6 December.

That would mean he would then be without a competitive club match until the new MLS campaign begins in March.

Thus, the report stated that Galatasaray had offered Messi the opportunity to keep himself fit and healthy ahead of not only the new MLS season but also the 2026 World Cup in June.

Romano shoots down Messi report

However, on his YouTube channel, Romano shot down that Messi could move to Galatasaray.

He said there was no truth in such stories and that the Argentine legend would not be making a short-term loan.

Romano did add, though, that there could be a possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona and Camp Nou for a tribute game at the new stadium, something Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has suggested.

But as for an official transfer to another club, this will not happen.

There have been high profile MLS players before who have returned to Europe in between seasons for short-term loans.

Thierry Henry and David Beckham are two such examples, with the former returning to Arsenal in 2012 and the latter excelling at Milan.

As for Messi, he has enjoyed a sublime 2025 season, scoring 42 goals and providing 20 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.

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