The eight-time Ballon d’Or footballer, Leo Messi, has formalized the purchase of UE Cornellà, becoming the new owner of the Catalan club, according to a statement released this Thursday. “With this operation, Messi strengthens 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 he was a player for FC Barcelona and has remained indelible over the years,” the released note reads.
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In this club, founded in 1951, great world-class footballers such as Jordi Alba, David Raya, Gerard Martín, or Aitor Ruibal among others have been developed. “Cornellà is one of the entities with the greatest tradition in Catalan football, but also nationally. Throughout its history, the club has stood out for its solid youth academy work and its ability to compete at the highest level within Spanish semi-professional football, establishing itself as a benchmark in the training of young footballers,” the statement continues.
🚨 The news of the century! Leo Messi, new owner of #UECornellà 🙌
All the info: https://t.co/2i0mepK83a pic.twitter.com/6wNKbstpR0
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— UE Cornellà 💚 (@ue_cornella) April 16, 2026
Messi acquires this entity at the end of the season, in which Cornellà is in the midst of a fight for promotion to Segunda RFEF. With four matches remaining, they are third, in a playoff position and five points behind the leader, Manresa, who would be promoted directly. “The arrival of Leo Messi opens a new chapter in the club’s history, with the goal of boosting its sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its structure, and continuing to bet on talent. The project contemplates a long-term vision, with a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and rootedness,” the note concludes.
The Argentine star joins a string of footballers who have taken over clubs or parts of them. For example, the acquisition of Andorra by his former Barça teammate Gerard Piqué or the purchase of 25% of Almería made by Cristiano Ronaldo less than two months ago.