Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and iconic former Barcelona forward, has officially acquired Spanish third-tier side Cornellà, the club confirmed on Thursday.
Based in Catalonia, Cornellà has built a strong reputation for nurturing young talent through its academy system. Over the years, the club has developed notable players including Jordi Alba, Gerard Martín, and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
In a statement, the club described Messi’s takeover as the start of an exciting new era focused on both sporting success and institutional development. The vision, according to the release, is centered on long-term growth, reinforcing the club’s structure, and maintaining a strong commitment to developing young players.
“Leo Messi’s arrival signals the beginning of a new chapter in our history,” the statement read. “Our goal is to drive progress on and off the pitch, while staying true to our roots and continuing to invest in emerging talent.”
Messi’s move into club ownership further highlights his growing involvement in youth football. This follows his recent initiative in December 2025, when he hosted eight under-16 teams at the inaugural Messi Cup held at Chase Stadium.
By Jones Adzi
