The Inter Miami forward has acquired UE Cornellà, a modest Barcelona-based club with a 1,500-capacity stadium.
7:26 PM
Lionel Messi has become the new owner of UE Cornellà, a fifth-division Spanish football club based in Barcelona, authorities said Thursday.
The Argentine forward, who currently plays for Inter Miami, acquired the club located in Cornellà de Llobregat, a working-class neighborhood approximately 15 minutes by car from Castelldefels, the coastal area where Messi maintains his residence.
Cornellà's stadium has a capacity of 1,500. The club has produced notable players including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona and Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba, both of whom came through its youth ranks.
"Leo Messi's arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club's history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent," the club said in a statement. "The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots."
Messi, who will turn 39 in two months, has expanded his professional portfolio beyond playing. He previously acquired Leones FC, a club in his native Rosario, Argentina, which is presided over by his brother Matías. He has also partnered with former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez on a project in Uruguay involving Deportivo LSM.
The ownership move comes as Messi returns to the region where he began his professional career. He left Argentina for Spain at age 13 and made his first-team debut for Barcelona at 17 in October 2004. He went on to score a club record 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona before departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. He joined Inter Miami in 2023.
The acquisition follows a similar move by Messi's former rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who purchased a 25 percent stake in Spanish second-division side Almería in February. Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
The Uruguayan-born defender won four European Cups with Real Madrid between 1957 and 1966 and later managed Spain's 1982 World Cup campaign.
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