In a significant move beyond his playing career, football icon Lionel Messi has entered the world of club ownership by purchasing a team in Spain's fifth division. The Inter Miami forward, aged 38, has acquired a complete 100 per cent stake in UE Cornella, a club situated on the outskirts of Barcelona, granting him full control of the outfit located just five miles from Camp Nou.
Strategic Vision for UE Cornella
While the exact financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, this acquisition represents Messi's inaugural step into owning a football club. UE Cornella released an official statement heralding Messi's arrival as "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 further elaborated that the project is underpinned by a long-term vision and a strategic plan blending ambition, sustainability, and a deep connection to local roots. This move solidifies Messi's links to Catalonia, though a return to play for Barcelona appears improbable as he remains under contract with Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, until 2028.
Club Background and Notable Alumni
Founded in 1951, UE Cornella currently competes in the Tercera Federacion Group 5, where they hold third position in the league table behind Manresa and Badalona, with aspirations for promotion to the fourth tier. The club has a notable history of developing talent, with alumni including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba.
Interestingly, Messi could have faced Cornella in the Copa del Rey during his final season at Barcelona, but he missed the fixture due to a two-match suspension following the first red card of his Barcelona career in the Spanish Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao.
Parallels with Ronaldo and Legal Challenges
This ownership venture places Messi in similar company to his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who purchased a 25 per cent stake in Spanish second-tier side UD Almeria in February. However, Messi's business move coincides with reported legal troubles off the pitch.
According to reports from TMZ, Messi is facing a lawsuit from Florida-based promoter VID, which specializes in sports and music events. The company alleges fraud and breach of contract after Messi skipped an Argentina friendly match against Venezuela last year. VID claims to have lost millions of dollars, asserting they had a $7 million agreement with the Argentina Football Association for exclusive rights to two exhibition matches in October, with a stipulation that Messi play at least 30 minutes in each unless injured.
Details of the Legal Dispute
The lawsuit contends that Messi watched Argentina's victory over Venezuela from a suite at Hard Rock Stadium, which VID reportedly paid for, instead of participating on the field. The following day, Messi scored twice for Inter Miami against Atlanta United. He did feature in Argentina's subsequent 6-0 win over Puerto Rico, providing two assists.
VID further alleges losses exceeding $1 million when the Puerto Rico match was relocated from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. While Chicago officials cited low ticket sales and Argentine federation officials pointed to immigration crackdowns as reasons for the move, VID claims the AFA promised compensatory games against China in 2026 that never materialized. The company seeks reimbursement for all financial losses incurred.
As Messi embarks on this new chapter as a club owner, balancing sporting ambitions with off-field challenges will undoubtedly shape his post-playing legacy in the football world.
