Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has recently added a new title to his illustrious career - the owner of Catalan club Cornella. This move not only strengthens Messi's ties with Barcelona but also showcases his commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting sports in Catalonia.
Messi, currently 38 years old, is known for his remarkable contribution to Barcelona, where he helped secure four Champions League titles and ten La Liga titles. He is presently playing for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami in the United States.
Cornella confirmed that "eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Leo Messi has formalised the acquisition of the club", which competes in the fifth tier of Spanish football. This development further cements Messi's deep-rooted connection with Barcelona and underscores his dedication towards fostering sports and local talent in Catalonia.
Cornella released statement:
"Leo Messi's arrival 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 project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots."
Look back at Messi’s career
Born in Argentina, Lionel Messi moved to Spain when he was just 13 years old. He made an impressive debut for Barcelona's first team at age 17 in October 2004. Over time, he set a club record by scoring an astounding 672 goals across 778 games before moving on to Paris St-Germain (PSG) in 2021. Two years later, he transferred to Inter Miami.
Interestingly enough, this isn't the first instance of a world-renowned player investing in a football club. Earlier this year, Cristiano Ronaldo – who is currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr – acquired a significant stake (25%) in Spanish side Almeria. Club Cornella boasts some notable alumni including Arsenal keeper David Raya and ex-Barcelona defender Jordi Alba who both came through its ranks. The stadium has a modest capacity of around 1,500 spectators.
Messi's acquisition of Cornella is a testament to his enduring love for football and his commitment to fostering local talent. It will be interesting to see how this move shapes the future of the club and its players.
