Messi takes over Spanish club UE Cornella

Lionel Messi has acquired Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornella, the Catalonia-based club confirmed on Thursday.

The Argentina World Cup-winning captain, who made 778 appearances and scored 672 goals for FC Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami, has taken ownership of the club as part of a long-term plan to develop local football talent in the region.

In a statement, UE Cornella said Messi’s move reflects his enduring connection to Catalonia, built during his years at Barcelona and his continued commitment to nurturing grassroots football.

The club described the takeover as the beginning of a new phase aimed at strengthening both sporting performance and institutional growth, with a focus on sustainability, ambition and strong local engagement.

Messi could have faced Cornella during his final season at Barcelona in a Copa del Rey fixture but missed the match due to a suspension following the first red card of his career in the Spanish Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner recently led Inter Miami to their first Major League Soccer title, further adding to his decorated career.

SH