“News of the century”: Messi becomes owner of a Spanish club

“The arrival of Leo Messi marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of boosting 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 with its local roots”, wrote the Catalan club.

Cornellà competes in Spain’s fifth division and currently occupies third place, with 55 points. Only the first placed team goes straight to the fourth division, while the 2nd to 5th placed teams compete in playoffs. The club is from the municipality of Cornellà de Llobregat, metropolitan region of Barcelona.

Like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo recently acquired a percentage of Almería, which is in Spain’s second division.

Check out the full statement from UE Cornellà

UE Cornellà announces that Argentine player 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 with Barcelona and his commitment to developing the sport and local talent in Catalonia — a connection that began in his years at FC Barcelona and has continued ever since.

Founded in 1951, UE Cornellà is one of the clubs with the greatest tradition in Catalan football, as well as at national level. Throughout its history, the club has stood out for its strong youth academy and its ability to compete at the highest levels of Spanish semi-professional football, becoming a reference in the development of young talent. Several players who have reached the elite of national and international football have passed through the club’s youth categories, including Spanish and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya; Jordi Alba, Messi’s former teammate at FC Barcelona and Inter Miami; Gerard Martín, one of FC Barcelona’s recent standout players, following his development as a first-team defender; Javi Puado, captain of RCD Espanyol and the Spanish national team; Keita Baldé, Senegalese international with extensive experience in the main European leagues; Aitor Ruibal, one of the current captains of Real Betis Balompié; and Ilie Sánchez, MLS champion and two-time MLS All-Star. All of them — along with many others who have gone on to 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 solid youth structure, with teams competing in the main youth categories at national and regional levels. This commitment has also been demonstrated by the Argentine captain through other youth development initiatives, such as the Messi Cup — a tournament that had its first edition last December in Miami, featuring eight of the best under-16 teams in the world (Newell’s Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Inter Miami, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, Manchester City and FC Barcelona).

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