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Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has acquired the Catalan football club Cornella FC. The Spanish fifth-tier team announced the news on Thursday, confirming that the footballer is now the club’s official owner.
Currently playing for Inter Miami in the United States, Messi is also gearing up for a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup title defence later this year. His acquisition of Cornella underscores his deep connection to Catalonia, even after his departure from Barcelona in 2021.
A statement from Cornella highlighted that Messi’s involvement signals a major commitment to developing both local talent and sports in the region.
“This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia,” the club said.
Cornella has a rich history of nurturing top-level talent, with notable alumni such as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba. However, the club has faced a challenging period in recent seasons, suffering back-to-back relegations.
The club’s statement emphasised that Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era, one focused on growth and revitalisation.
“Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth,” the club said.
This ambitious project promises to combine long-term sustainability with a clear vision of strengthening both the team and its community roots.
