Lionel Messi Acquires Spanish Football Club UE Cornella

Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has officially acquired UE Cornella, a fifth-division football club based in Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain, near his former long-time club FC Barcelona. The acquisition was announced by the modest, working-class neighborhood club on Thursday, marking a significant new chapter in its history since its founding in 1951. While specific financial details of the purchase were not disclosed, the club stated that the project is driven by a long-term vision combining ambition, sustainability, and strong local roots. UE Cornella has a notable track record for developing talent, having produced players such as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, who currently plays alongside Messi at Inter Miami. At 38 years old, Messi continues to balance his business ventures with his playing career, currently aiming to compete in the 2026 World Cup in North America where Argentina will defend their title. This move further cements Messi's enduring connection to Spanish football even after his departure from Barcelona in 2021 and his subsequent move to Major League Soccer.