Lionel Messi buys Spanish football team as statement heralds 'a new chapter in the club's history'

Messi currently plays for Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham -Credit:Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Situated in Catalonia — the same region as his beloved Barcelona, where he spent 17 years of his playing career — Messi is understood to have acquired a 100 per cent stake in Cornella, making him the club's outright owner.

An official statement confirming the takeover read: "UE Cornella announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Leo Messi has formalized the acquisition of the club, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat institution.

"This move reinforces Messi's close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia - a connection rooted in his years at FC Barcelona and sustained ever since. Founded in 1951, UE Cornella is one of the clubs with the greatest tradition in Catalan football, as well as at the national level.

"Throughout its history, the club has distinguished itself through a strong youth academy and its ability to compete at the highest levels of Spanish semi-professional football, becoming a benchmark in the development of young talent.

"Several players who have gone on to reach the elite level of national and international football have come through the club's ranks, including Spain and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya; Jordi Alba, Messi's former teammate at both FC Barcelona and Inter Miami; Gerard Martin, one of FC Barcelona's recent standout players following his development as a first-team defender; Javi Puado, captain of RCD Espanyol and Spain international; Senegal international Keita Balde, with extensive experience across Europe's top leagues; Aitor Ruibal, one of the current captains of Real Betis Balompie; and Ilie Sánchez, an MLS champion and two-time MLS All-Star.

"All of them - along with many others who have gone on to build professional careers - reflect the strength and success of the club's development model. Messi's commitment to young talent is also reflected in the club's strong youth structure, with teams competing in the top youth categories at both national and regional levels.

"This commitment has also been demonstrated by the Argentina captain through other youth development initiatives, such as the Messi Cup - a tournament that held its first edition last December in Miami, featuring eight of the world's top U16 teams (Newell's Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Inter Miami, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, manchester-city-fc>Manchester City, and FC Barcelona).

"Leo Messi's arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club's history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent. The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots."

Following his move from Newell's Old Boys during his youth, Messi progressed through Barcelona's academy system and made his senior debut in 2004. He spent 17 years with the Catalan club, amassing 672 goals and 303 assists across 778 games - cementing his status as the club's record goalscorer.

Cornella said in a statement that 'Leo Messi's arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club's history' -Credit:Megan Briggs/Getty Images

He also amassed an extraordinary collection of seven Ballon d'Ors, 10 La Liga titles, 14 domestic cups, and four UEFA Champions League crowns before departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Following further success in the form of another Ballon d'Or, two Ligue 1 titles, and a Trophée des Champions, he made his way to Inter Miami in 2023.

Tied to the club until 2028, Messi shows no indication of easing up any time soon. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether the Rosario-born superstar will return to international duty this summer to help Argentina defend the World Cup they secured just four years ago, as a new tournament unfolds across North America.