Lionel Messi Takes Full Ownership of Catalan Club Cornella
In a landmark move that cements his enduring connection to the city, football icon Lionel Messi has become the sole owner of Spanish third-tier club UE Cornella. The Argentinian superstar, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, has acquired one hundred per cent of the team based in the south-west of Barcelona, where he forged his legendary seventeen-year senior career.
Club Confirms Acquisition and Highlights Messi's Commitment
The Catalan club officially announced the acquisition in a detailed statement, declaring: "UE Cornella announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Leo Messi has formalized the acquisition of the club, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat institution." This strategic purchase, the club emphasised, "reinforces Messi's close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia – a connection rooted in his years at FC Barcelona and sustained ever since."
Cornella's Rich History and Notable Achievements
Founded in 1951, Cornella boasts a storied past, having competed in regional and lower leagues before earning promotion to the Segunda Division B in the 2013-2014 season. The club famously orchestrated a major upset in the 2021 Copa del Rey, defeating Atletico Madrid, only to be narrowly eliminated by Barcelona in the following round after extra time. Furthermore, Cornella has served as a prolific breeding ground for talent, producing players who have ascended to successful professional careers, including:
- Jordi Alba – Messi's former teammate at both Barcelona and Inter Miami.
- Current Barcelona defender Gerard Martin.
- Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Focus on Youth Development and Long-Term Vision
The club underscored Messi's dedication to nurturing young talent, noting: "Messi's commitment to young talent is also reflected in the club's strong youth structure, with teams competing in the top youth categories at both national and regional levels." This commitment extends to initiatives like the Messi Cup, a tournament launched last December in Miami featuring elite under-sixteen teams from around the globe. "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 concluded. "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's Legacy and Current Career
Now thirty-eight years old and playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi remains Barcelona's all-time record goalscorer, having netted an astonishing six hundred and seventy-two goals in seven hundred and seventy-eight appearances. During his illustrious tenure at the Camp Nou, he secured ten LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies, solidifying his status as one of football's greatest ever players. This acquisition not only highlights his ongoing influence in the sport but also his profound attachment to the Catalan community that shaped his career.
