Lionel Messi enters club ownership with acquisition of Catalan side UE Cornellà

Lionel Messi has taken a major step into football ownership after completing the takeover of Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornellà, marking a new chapter in the career of the Inter Miami CF star.

The move comes months after long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo purchased a 25% stake in Spanish second-tier club UD Almería, underlining a growing trend of elite players investing in club ownership while still active.

Messi has reportedly acquired full ownership of the Catalan side, signalling a long-term interest in football development beyond his playing career.

In a statement confirming the deal, UE Cornellà said the takeover strengthens Messi’s connection to Catalonia, where he spent the majority of his career with FC Barcelona.

“This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia,” the club said.

“Founded in 1951, UE Cornellà is one of the clubs with the greatest tradition in Catalan football, as well as at national level.

“Messi’s commitment to young talent is also reflected in the club’s strong youth structure, with teams competing in top youth categories at both national and regional levels.”

The statement also highlighted Messi’s wider involvement in youth development initiatives, including the Messi Cup, a U16 tournament held in Miami featuring clubs such as Newell’s Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and FC Barcelona.

UE Cornellà currently compete in the Tercera Federación (Group 5), the fifth tier of Spanish football. The club sit in the play-off positions with 55 points from 30 matches, just five points off the top with four games remaining.

The Catalan side have a history of developing professional talent, with former players including Jordi Alba, David Raya and Gerard Martín all having progressed through or featured for the club.

Cornellà also reached the third tier as recently as 2024 and have featured regularly in the Copa del Rey, including a notable meeting with Barcelona during Messi’s final season at the Camp Nou, although the Argentine did not feature in that encounter.