Lionel Messi has become the new owner of Spanish third-division team Cornellà, the club announced on Thursday.
In the official announcement, the motivation behind the deal was made clear. “With this operation, Messi reinforces his close relationship with Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia. A connection that dates back to the time when he was an FC Barcelona player and has remained indelible throughout the years,” the statement read.
Founded in 1951, UE Cornellà is currently enjoying a strong season, sitting third in their group and trailing leaders Manresa by just five points.
With a place in the promotion play-offs already guaranteed, Messi has set his sights on elevating the club into the professional ranks of Spanish football through a robust investment strategy that prioritizes the youth academy.
The Catalonia-based club, well known for player development and their academy, have produced stars such as Jordi Alba and Gerard Martín as well as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Lionel Messi has become a club owner. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The announcement highlighted the club’s impressive alumni list, noting: “Throughout its history, the club has highlighted for its solid work with the youth academy and its ability to compete at the highest level within Spanish semi-professional football, consolidating itself as a benchmark in the training of young footballers.
Through its ranks, players have passed who later reached the elite of national and international football, such as the goalkeeper of the Spanish National Team and Arsenal, David Raya; Jordi Alba, former teammate of Messi both at Barça and Inter Miami; Gerard Martín, one of the recent names of FC Barcelona for his growth in the first team defense; Javi Puado, captain of RCD Espanyol and also an international with Spain; Keita Baldé, international with Senegal and with an extensive career in major leagues; Aitor Ruibal, one of the current captains of Real Betis Balompié or Ilie Sánchez, MLS champion and selected twice for the MLS All-Star.”
Messi’s decision to buy a club follows his recent involvement in youth football, such as the inaugural ‘Messi Cup’ held in Miami last December.
The Argentinan joins an elite group of active and former players to own a club.
He follows in the footsteps of his current boss at Inter Miami, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently purchased a 25 percent stake in Almeria, and Thibaut Courtois at Le Mans.
Other notable owners include Kylian Mbappé (SM Caen), Luka Modric (Swansea), Hector Bellerín (Forest Green Rovers), Gerard Piqué (FC Andorra), N’Golo Kanté (Royal Excelsior Virton), Sadio Mané (Bourges Foot 18), and César Azpilicueta (Hashtag United).
