Messi acquires UE Cornellà

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has officially acquired UE Cornellà, becoming the new owner of the Catalan football club that currently competes in Spain's Tercera RFEF (fifth tier). The announcement, made Thursday by the club based in Baix Llobregat, marks a significant investment by the Argentine superstar, who remains active with Inter Miami in the United States and is preparing for another World Cup with Argentina at nearly 39 years old. With this acquisition, Messi reinforces his longstanding connection to Barcelona and Catalonia, where he intends to return short-term with his wife Antonella Rocuzzo and their three sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Founded in 1951, Cornellà has established itself as one of Catalonia's premier clubs for youth development, producing numerous footballers who reached the professional elite. Among its notable alumni are Spain international goalkeeper David Raya (Arsenal), former Barcelona and current Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba, Barcelona's rising defender Gerard Martín, Espanyol captain Javi Puado, Real Betis captain Aitor Ruibal, and Senegalese international Keita Baldé. The club currently sits third in Group V of Tercera RFEF, positioning itself for promotion playoff qualification, just five points behind the league leader who earns direct promotion. Messi's move aligns with his documented commitment to youth football, following the inaugural Messi Cup tournament held in Miami last December featuring top Under-16 teams worldwide. The acquisition opens a new chapter for Cornellà with a long-term strategic vision combining ambition, sustainability, and community roots. The club's facilities are located adjacent to RCD Stadium, home of city rival Espanyol. The timing creates an intriguing local rivalry subplot: Cornellà's current third-place standing puts them in direct competition with CE Hospitalet, a club co-owned by Messi teammate Jordi Alba and former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcántara since April 2025, which sits fourth in the same group. The two clubs are scheduled to face each other on May 10.