Lionel Messi Buys Catalan Club UE Cornella
Rabat – Lionel Messi has purchased UE Cornella, a small Catalan club competing in Spain’s fifth tier.
The team is based in Cornella de Llobregat, about 20 minutes southwest of Barcelona, and plays next to Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium.
Cornella has built a reputation for its academy, producing talents such as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Messi’s former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba, and current Barca defender Gerard Martin.
Despite never rising above Spain’s third division, the club is respected for its role in developing local players.
In a statement, Cornella said Messi’s investment shows his “commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia.”
The club highlighted the Messi Cup, a youth tournament launched by the Argentine star in Miami last December, which featured teams like Barcelona, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
Catalunya based club will be owned by Leo Messi for its 100%. pic.twitter.com/urf1oCXgZe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 16, 2026
Messi’s career and achievements
Messi remains Barcelona’s all‑time top scorer and appearance maker, with 672 goals in 778 matches between 2004 and 2021.
He left the club in 2021 amid financial struggles, joining Paris Saint‑Germain before moving to Inter Miami in 2023.
Since arriving in Major League Soccer, Messi has scored 83 goals in 96 games, helping Miami win the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup in 2025.
The eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner also led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title. At 38, he is expected to feature in this summer’s World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, though he has not officially confirmed his participation.
Messi’s purchase of Cornella adds another chapter to his legacy in Catalonia. While the club is far from the heights of Barcelona or Espanyol, its academy has long been a source of talent. His involvement could strengthen youth development in the region and give Cornella more visibility.
Read also: Lionel Messi, Argentina FA Face Legal Action for Breaching $7 Million Contract
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