Messi Crushes Explosive European Transfer Speculation Once and For All

Lionel Messi revealed his intentions for 2026 leading up to next summer's World Cup, and interestingly, departing Inter Miami wasn't part of his considerations.

Speculative rumors about a temporary loan return to Europe during the forthcoming MLS off-season recently started circulating online. Turkish champions Galatasaray surfaced as a surprising potential destination for Messi.

These speculations gained unexpected credibility when Gala's president Dursun Özbek stated that his club had the financial capacity to support the Argentine's salary if he chose to maintain his match fitness ahead of the World Cup with a stint in Istanbul.

"Our schedule differs from the European calendar," Messi told SPORT while dismissing rumors of a temporary departure. "We'll have a preparation period in between, limited matches before the World Cup."

Miami's final match this season will occur no later than December 6, assuming they reach the MLS Cup for the first time in club history. The 2026 domestic season isn't anticipated to begin until February, leaving Messi with approximately two months of downtime just before the World Cup commences in June.

"It's an extraordinary World Cup," Messi commented about what will mark his historic sixth tournament appearance. "It's meaningful to represent the national team in significant, official tournaments, particularly considering the importance of a World Cup, especially after having claimed victory."

Messi: I Don't Want to Be a Burden for Argentina

Messi has recently embraced the possibility of participating in Argentina's World Cup title defense. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old expressed greater restraint in his recent interview: "I don't want to become a liability, if you will. I want to feel physically capable, to be confident that I can assist and add value to the team, to the squad."

"We'll assess day by day whether I truly feel physically prepared enough to be where I want to be and able to compete," he added. "But clearly, I understand that it's a World Cup, and it's extraordinary, and that the World Cup represents the ultimate competition. So, I'm enthusiastic, but approaching it step by step."