Lionel Messi has officially made his latest monumental move off the pitch. The legendary Argentine forward and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has formalized the 100 percent acquisition of Unió Esportiva Cornellà, a football club currently competing in the Tercera RFEF—the fifth tier of Spanish football.
The surprise purchase marks Messi’s first venture into full European club ownership and cements his enduring connection to the Catalonia region, where he built his unparalleled legacy over a 17-year senior career with FC Barcelona.
A Historic Club with a Renowned Academy
Founded in 1951, UE Cornellà is based in the Baix Llobregat area just southwest of Barcelona. While currently navigating the lower leagues, the club holds a proud reputation in Spanish football, famously stunning Atlético Madrid in the 2021 Copa del Rey before being narrowly eliminated by Barcelona in extra time.
The institution is perhaps best known for its incredible youth academy, which has served as a springboard for top-tier professional talent. Notable academy graduates include current Arsenal and Spain national team goalkeeper David Raya, as well as Jordi Alba—Messi’s long-time former teammate at Barcelona and current colleague at Inter Miami.
A New Chapter for UE Cornellà
The Catalan club confirmed the massive acquisition in an official statement on Thursday, expressing extreme optimism about their future under the stewardship of the global icon.
“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 announced. “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.”
Building a Post-Retirement Empire
While the 38-year-old World Cup winner is still actively playing for MLS side Inter Miami and preparing for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup title defense, his focus on post-career investments has become increasingly clear. This acquisition of UE Cornellà marks his third major venture into football club management.
Messi previously co-founded Deportivo LSM in Uruguay alongside close friend Luis Suárez, and he is also heavily involved with Leones FC in Argentina’s Primera C. Beyond club ownership, the superstar has shown a deep commitment to grassroots development, recently launching the “Messi Cup” youth tournament in Miami to showcase the world’s best under-16 talent.
By stepping in to rescue and revitalize a traditional, working-class Catalan club that recently suffered back-to-back relegations, Messi is ensuring that his massive influence on Spanish football will be felt for generations to come.
