Lionel Messi buys a Spanish club

A few weeks after Cristiano Ronaldo’s investment in Spanish football, it’s Lionel Messi’s turn to take another step in his transition. The eight-time Ballon d’Or has formalized his entry into the circle of club owners by taking control of UE Cornellà, a Catalan club competing in the lower divisions. In a statement, the Baix Llobregat club confirmed the Argentine’s arrival at its helm, highlighting a project focused on developing local football. An initiative that continues the strong bond binding Messi to Catalonia, the region where he built his legend in FC Barcelona colors.

UE Cornellà, known for the quality of its academy, has seen several players emerge who later reached the top level, such as Jordi Alba or David Raya. With Messi’s arrival, the club hopes to take a new step, both on the sporting and structural fronts. This move illustrates an increasingly pronounced trend among the world’s football stars who are eager to invest in long-term projects. After Ronaldo, now involved in UD Almería’s capital, Messi also chooses to anchor himself in the Spanish football landscape, but on a more local scale. It remains to be seen in which direction this new project will go. One thing is certain: Lionel Messi’s imprint could well give UE Cornellà a fresh momentum.