Argentine legend Lionel Messi has become the new owner of Catalan fifth-tier club Cornella.
The 38-year-old, who won multiple trophies including four Champions League titles with Barcelona, is currently playing for Inter Miami in the United States.
Cornella confirmed that eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi has officially taken over the club, saying the move shows his strong link with Catalonia and support for developing local football talent.
Messi left Argentina for Spain at age 13 and made his Barcelona debut at 17, going on to score 672 goals in 778 games before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and later Inter Miami in 2023.
His former rival Cristiano Ronaldo also recently invested in Spanish football, buying a stake in Almeria.
Cornella, whose stadium holds about 1,500 fans, has produced players like Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and defender Jordi Alba.
The club said Messi’s arrival begins a new era focused on growth, stability, and long-term development.
