Lionel Messi bought UE Cornellá, a club in Spain's third tier | OneFootball

In recent hours, it was officially confirmed that Lionel Messi is the new owner of Unió Esportiva Cornellà, the Catalan club that competes in the Tercera RFEF and stands out for its commitment to developing young footballers.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will continue expanding into the business world and will become the owner of the institution considered one of the most traditional in Catalonia. In the 2013/14 season, the Baix Llobregat side faced Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Round of 32, which remains the most important match in its history to date.

In the statement, UE Cornellà said: “The arrival of Leo Messi opens a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of driving its sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its structure, and continuing to back talent. The project is built on a long-term vision, with a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and deep roots.”

Messi had already been involved in other youth development projects such as the “Messi Cup” in December 2025. In that first edition, the world’s top eight Under-16 teams took part: Newell’s, River, Inter Milan, Inter Miami, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Barcelona.

The World Cup winner will take on a new challenge in his emerging business career, in addition to Deportivo LSM, the club he founded alongside Luis Suárez, and the shares he will acquire in Inter Miami once his career as a professional footballer comes to an end, where he will become co-owner of the Herons.

The institution, founded in 1951, was the cradle of great footballers such as David Raya, current Arsenal goalkeeper; Jordi Alba, a historic Barcelona player; Keita Baldé, a leading figure in Senegalese football; and Gerard Martín, one of the promising talents currently playing for Barça, among others.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.