Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, has officially become the new owner of Spanish third-tier club UE Cornella. The club, situated in the south-west of Barcelona, holds special significance for Messi, who rose to global fame during his illustrious 17-year senior career at FC Barcelona from 2004 to 2021.
Messi's Deep Connection to Catalonia
In a formal statement released by the Catalan club, it was confirmed that Messi has taken 100 per cent ownership of Cornella. The announcement highlighted that this acquisition strengthens Messi's longstanding bond with Barcelona and his dedication to fostering sport and local talent in Catalonia. This connection has remained robust since his departure from FC Barcelona, underscoring his ongoing commitment to the region's footballing community.
Cornella's History and Achievements
Founded in 1951, UE Cornella has a rich history of competing in regional and lower-league Spanish football. The club achieved promotion to the Segunda Division B in the 2013-2014 season, marking a significant milestone. One of their most memorable moments came in 2021 when they pulled off a stunning Copa del Rey upset by defeating Atletico Madrid, before being narrowly eliminated by Barcelona in the subsequent round after extra time.
Cornella has also been a fertile ground for nurturing professional talent. Notable alumni include Jordi Alba, a former teammate of Messi at both Barcelona and Inter Miami; current Barcelona defender Gerard Martin; and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. This track record of developing players aligns perfectly with Messi's vision for the club.
Focus on Youth Development and Strategic Growth
The club emphasized that Messi's ownership brings a strong focus on youth development, reflected in Cornella's robust youth structure, which competes in top national and regional categories. Messi has previously demonstrated his commitment to nurturing young talent through initiatives like the Messi Cup, a tournament launched in December last year in Miami. The inaugural edition featured eight elite U16 teams from clubs such as Newell's Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Inter Miami, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, Manchester City, and FC Barcelona.
With Messi at the helm, Cornella enters a new chapter aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth. The project is guided by a long-term strategic plan that balances ambition, sustainability, and a deep connection to local roots. This vision seeks to strengthen the club's foundations while continuing to invest in emerging talent, ensuring a bright future for the Baix Llobregat institution.
Messi's Legacy and Current Career
Now 38 years old, Messi continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). His legendary tenure at Barcelona saw him score a club-record 672 goals in 778 appearances, securing 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies. This latest venture into club ownership marks a significant step in his post-playing career, blending his passion for football with a desire to give back to the community that shaped his early years.
