Football legend Lionel Messi has taken full ownership of Spanish third-tier club UE Cornella, reinforcing his ties to Barcelona and Catalonia.
MADRID: Football legend Lionel Messi has become the full owner of Spanish third-tier club UE Cornella. The Catalan club confirmed the acquisition in a formal statement.
The club is based southwest of Barcelona, where Messi famously played for 17 years. “UE Cornella announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Leo Messi has formalised the acquisition of the club,” the statement read.
It described the move as reinforcing Messi’s commitment to Catalonia’s sporting development. This connection is rooted in his historic career at FC Barcelona.
Founded in 1951, Cornella rose to the Segunda Division B in the 2013-2014 season. The club famously beat Atletico Madrid in the 2021 Copa del Rey.
Cornella has a history of developing professional talent. Its alumni include Messi’s former teammate Jordi Alba and current Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Now 38 and playing for Inter Miami, Messi scored a club-record 672 goals for Barcelona. He won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies there.
