AAP Soccer

Messi business: legend buys Spanish fifth-tier club

By AAP Newswire

Apr 17, 2026

Lionel Messi has become the new owner of UE Cornella, a little Spanish fifth division club based in Barcelona, the city where he created his legend as the game's greatest player.

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Based in the south-west of the city, Messi, now plying his trade in the MLS with Inter Miami, has taken 100 per cent ownership of Cornella, giving him fresh ties to the city where he graced senior football for 17 glorious years between 2004 and 2021.

"UE Cornella announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Leo Messi has formalised the acquisition of the club, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat institution," the Catalan club said in a statement on Thursday.

"This move 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 was founded in 1951 and competed in regional competitions and lower leagues in Spain before winning promotion to the Segunda Division B in 2013-2014.

They beat Atletico Madrid in a huge Copa del Rey shock in 2021 before being eliminated in the next round by Barcelona after extra time.

Cornella has produced several players who have gone on to have successful professional careers, including Jordi Alba – Messi's former teammate at Barcelona and Inter Miami – current Barca defender Gerard Martin and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

The club added: "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 has also been demonstrated by the Argentina captain through other youth development initiatives, such as the Messi Cup — a tournament that held its first edition last December in Miami, featuring eight of the world's top U16 teams.

"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.

Messi, who is now 38 and is expected to , scored a club record 672 goals for Barcelona in 778 games, winning 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues at the Camp Nou.