Lionel Messi has become the sole owner of Spanish third-tier club UE Cornella, acquiring 100 per cent of the team based in the south-west of Barcelona. The Catalan club confirmed the acquisition in a statement, announcing that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has formalised the purchase.
The club said the move reinforces Messi's close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to developing sport and local talent in Catalonia. Founded in 1951, Cornella has a history of competing in regional and lower leagues before achieving promotion to the Segunda Division B in the 2013-2014 season.
Cornella famously caused a major upset in the 2021 Copa del Rey, beating Atletico Madrid before being narrowly eliminated by Barcelona after extra time. The club has also produced players such as Jordi Alba, Gerard Martin, and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Messi's commitment to young talent is reflected in the club's strong youth structure and initiatives like the Messi Cup, a tournament launched last December in Miami featuring top U16 teams globally. The club stated that Messi's arrival marks a new chapter aimed at driving sporting and institutional growth.
Messi, now 38 and playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, remains Barcelona's record goalscorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances, securing 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies during his time at the Camp Nou.
