Lionel Messi has taken his first major कदम into football ownership after acquiring Spanish fifth-tier club UE Cornellà, the Catalan side confirmed on Thursday.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently playing for Inter Miami, is also expected to play a central role in Argentina national football team’s bid to defend their World Cup title later this year.
In a statement, Cornellà said the move highlights Messi’s enduring connection to Barcelona and his commitment to developing sport and nurturing local talent in Catalonia.
The club has a strong reputation for producing players, with notable graduates including David Raya and Jordi Alba, a former teammate of Messi during his time at FC Barcelona.
Cornellà have endured a difficult period, suffering back-to-back relegations over the past two seasons. Messi’s arrival is being seen as a turning point in the club’s fortunes.
“Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history,” the statement added. “The aim is to drive both sporting and institutional growth, strengthen the club’s foundations and continue investing in talent.”
The project is expected to be guided by a long-term strategy focused on ambition, sustainability and maintaining strong ties with the local community.
