Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has officially become the new owner of Spanish club UE Cornellà, marking a major step in his off-field career. The club, based in Catalonia, currently plays in the fifth tier of Spanish football.
Cornella confirmed the news in a statement, saying that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has completed the acquisition. The club described the move as an important moment in its history and highlighted Messi’s strong connection to the region, where he spent most of his playing career.
Messi, now 38, is currently playing for Inter Miami CF in the United States after leaving European football in recent years. Despite being in the later stage of his playing career, this latest move shows his growing interest in football management and long-term investment in the sport.
The club said Messi’s ownership would help strengthen its development plans, especially in nurturing young players. Cornella has historically been known for producing talent, with players like Spanish goalkeeper David Raya and defender Jordi Alba coming through its system.
Messi’s decision to buy the club also reflects his deep personal ties to Catalonia. He moved to Spain from Argentina at the age of 13 to join FC Barcelona, where he went on to become one of the greatest players in football history. During his time at Barcelona, he won multiple major trophies, including four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships.
He also scored a record 672 goals for Barcelona, cementing his legacy as the club’s all-time top scorer before leaving in 2021. After a short spell with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi moved to Inter Miami in 2023, where he continues to play.
Cornella’s stadium has a relatively small capacity of around 1,500 seats, and the club operates on a modest budget compared to larger Spanish teams. However, Messi’s involvement is expected to bring increased attention, investment, and possibly new opportunities for growth.
In its official statement, the club said Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a “new chapter,” with a focus on both sporting success and institutional development. It also mentioned that the project would follow a long-term vision aimed at building a sustainable and competitive team while staying connected to its local roots.
Messi is not the only football icon investing in clubs. His long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo recently became a co-owner of Spanish side Almeria, highlighting a growing trend of former and current players moving into club ownership roles.
This shift reflects how top footballers are expanding their influence beyond the pitch, using their wealth and experience to shape the future of the sport.
For Cornella, having one of football’s greatest players as owner could be a turning point. While immediate success is not guaranteed, the move is likely to boost the club’s profile both in Spain and internationally.
As Messi continues his playing career in the United States, his new role as a club owner signals the beginning of a different kind of legacy—one focused on developing talent and building a football institution from the ground up.
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