Superstar footballer Lionel Messi has reportedly taken a major step into football ownership after acquiring full control of Spanish club UE Cornellà, a fifth-tier side based on the outskirts of Barcelona.
The Inter Miami forward, who is 38 years old, is said to have purchased 100 percent ownership of the club, which is located just about five miles from the iconic Camp Nou. Although the financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, the acquisition marks Messi’s first known move into club ownership.
UE Cornellà confirmed the development in an official statement, describing it as the beginning of a new era for the historic club, which was founded in 1951. The club said Messi’s involvement is expected to boost both sporting ambitions and institutional development.
According to the statement, the project is guided by a long-term vision focused on sustainability, ambition, and stronger ties with the club’s local community. Officials also noted that the new ownership structure would aim to strengthen the club’s foundations while investing in the discovery and development of young talent.
“The arrival of Messi marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent,” the club said.
UE Cornellà currently compete in the Tercera Federación Group 5, the fifth tier of Spanish football. The team is enjoying a competitive season, sitting third in the table behind clubs such as UE Manresa and CF Badalona, and remains in contention for promotion to the fourth tier of Spanish football.
Despite operating outside Spain’s top professional divisions, UE Cornellà has built a reputation for developing talent, with several notable footballers passing through its youth system. Among them are Arsenal and Spain goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, both of whom progressed to higher levels of European football after early development at the club.
Messi’s reported acquisition is being viewed as a significant development in football business circles, as it signals the growing trend of elite players transitioning into club ownership and football management roles while still active or shortly after their playing careers.
UE Cornellà emphasized that the new ownership structure would prioritize long-term stability over short-term success, with a strategic focus on nurturing young players and building a sustainable football model rooted in the local community.
The announcement has generated widespread attention given Messi’s global profile and his long association with Barcelona football, where he spent the majority of his career and became one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history.
If confirmed, the move would represent a new chapter in Messi’s post-playing ambitions, extending his influence in football beyond the pitch and into club development and management.
