Lionel Messi becomes owner of Catalan fifth-division club UE Cornella | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has acquired UE Cornella, a fifth-division club in the Barcelona suburbs. The 38-year-old has played for Inter Miami in MLS since 2023.

The club said in a statement on Thursday that the eight-time Ballon d'Or had formalised the acquisition, becoming the new owner, and that the move strengthens his links with Barcelona and reflects his commitment to developing sport and local talent in Catalonia.

Founded in 1951, the Tercera RFEF outfit is targeting revitalised sporting and institutional development, structural consolidation and continued investment in youth.

The purchase comes several weeks after Cristiano Ronaldo bought Almeria, a second-tier Spanish club.

Messi has previously stated he plans to return to live in Catalonia at the end of his career. The Argentina captain won the World Cup in 2022.

He is preparing to contest his sixth and final World Cup this summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Source: Le Progres