Lionel Messi acquires Catalonia football club Unió Esportiva Cornellà

Lionel Messi has formalised the acquisition of Unió Esportiva Cornellà, a club currently competing in the Tercera RFEF, the fifth tier of Spanish football. The Argentine star assumes full ownership of the Catalan institution. Founded in 1951, UE Cornellà is regarded as one of the most traditional clubs in Catalonia, with a longstanding presence in Spanish football. This marks the third football venture in which Messi has invested. He previously co-founded Deportivo LSM in Uruguay with Luis Suárez, and is also involved with Leones FC, a team competing in Argentina’s Primera C. The official statement “With this operation, Messi strengthens his close ties with Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia,” the club said in a statement, referring to a relationship dating back to his years at FC Barcelona, 2004-2021. “The arrival of Leo Messi 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 statement added. “The project envisions a long-term strategy combining ambition, sustainability and a strong local identity.” The official announcement, which confirmed the Rosario-born forward as the club’s new owner, also highlighted a number of notable players developed at Cornellà. Among them are David Raya, current goalkeeper for Arsenal FC and the Spain national team; Jordi Alba, Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona and Inter Miami CF; Javi Puado, captain of RCD Espanyol; Keita Baldé; Aitor Ruibal of Real Betis; and Ilie Sánchez, an MLS champion and All-Star selection. Messi’s commitment to youth development is also reflected in initiatives such as the Messi Cup, which held its first edition last December in Miami, featuring eight of the world’s top under-16 teams, including Newell’s Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Inter Miami, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, Manchester City and FC Barcelona.