Messi steps into ownership with fifth-tier Spanish club

Lionel Messi has taken a new step beyond the pitch, acquiring Spanish lower-division side UE Cornella and becoming the owner of the Barcelona-based club.

The move, confirmed by the club on Thursday, signals a shift in Messi’s role in football — from player to long-term stakeholder in the game’s structure. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

“Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history,” Cornella said in a statement. “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.”

Cornella operates far from the spotlight Messi occupied for most of his career. The club plays in Spain’s fifth division and is rooted in a working-class area outside Barcelona, a city where Messi built his legacy over two decades with FC Barcelona.

During that time, he became the defining player of his generation, winning multiple league and European titles, along with several Ballon d’Or awards, before leaving the club in 2021.

Despite its modest profile, Cornella has a track record of developing talent. Among its alumni are Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Jordi Alba, a former Barcelona defender who later reunited with Messi at Inter Miami.

The acquisition suggests a long-term project rather than a short-term investment. The club’s statement points to a focus on sustainability and local identity, indicating that Messi’s involvement may extend beyond branding into structural development.

At 38, Messi remains active as a player and is targeting another major milestone — competing in the upcoming World Cup in North America, where Argentina will defend its title.