Official: Barcelona legend Lionel Messi buys Spanish club UE Cornella | OneFootball

In a major development, FC Barcelona legend and former captain Lionel Messi has finalised the acquisition of UE Cornella, a club currently playing in the Tercera RFEF, becoming the new owner of the Spanish outfit.

With this move, Messi strengthens his close ties with the city of Barcelona and his commitment to developing sport and local talent in Catalonia.

Founded in 1951, Cornella is one of the most traditional clubs in Catalan football, as well as on a national level.

Throughout its history, the club has stood out for its strong youth development system and its ability to compete at a high level within Spanish semi-professional football, establishing itself as a benchmark in the development of young players.

Players who have passed through the club include names who later reached the top level of national and international football, such as Barcelona legend and Messi’s ex-teammate Jordi Alba, current Barça star Gerard Martin, and Javi Puado, captain of RCD Espanyol.

Spain and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Keita Balde Diao, a Senegal international, Aitor Ruibal, one of the current captains of Real Betis also spent time at the club.

All of them, along with many others who have built professional careers, reflect the success of the club’s development model.

Messi’s arrival opens a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of boosting its sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its structure and continuing to invest in talent.

The project is built on a long-term vision, with a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability and local identity.

Cornella are currently in the playoff positions (third, five points off automatic promotion) as they aim to move up to Segunda Division RFEF, the same level where the reserve team of Barcelona is competing.