Lionel Messi has taken another step into football ownership by buying UE Cornella, according to the lower league Spanish club.
The Catalan outfit released a statement this afternoon claiming Messi is now the main stakeholder of the team based in Baix Lobregat, just outside Barcelona.
It read: āUE CornellĆ announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon dāOr winner Leo Messi has formalized the acquisition of the club, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat institution.
āThis move reinforces Messiās close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia ā a connection rooted in his years at FC Barcelona and sustained ever since.
āMessiās commitment to young talent is also reflected in the clubās 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 ā a tournament that held its first edition last December in Miami, featuring eight of the worldās top U16 teams (Newellās Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Inter Miami, AtlĆ©tico de Madrid, Chelsea FC, Manchester City, and FC Barcelona).
āLeo Messiās arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the clubās 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.ā
Cornella play in Tercera RFEF ā Group 5, the third tier of the Spanish pyramid. They are currently third in the table.
Messi keen on football administration
Messi has spoken previously of his desire to get into football ownership, preferring that than going down the coaching route.
In January, he told Argentine streaming channel Luzu TV: āI donāt see myself as a coach.Ā
āI like the idea of being a manager, but Iād prefer to be an owner. Iād like to have my own club, start from the bottom, and make it grow. To be able to give the kids the opportunity to develop and achieve something important. If I had to choose, thatās what would appeal to me most.ā
Messi currently works alongside Luis Suarez in helping build Uruguayan fourth division side Deportivo LSM, an outfit formed by his Inter Miami team-mate.
Messi is contracted to Miami until 2028 and is expected to help Argentina defend their World Cup crown in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
