Lionel Messi to Buy Spanish Club UE Cornellà

Lionel Messi has purchased UE Cornellà, a Catalan football club competing in the fifth tier of Spanish football, as confirmed by multiple sources on April 16, 2026. The acquisition was formalized by the club, which announced Messi as its new owner in a statement released on Thursday.

UE Cornellà, based in Cornella de Llobregat, is located approximately a 20-minute drive southwest of Barcelona and has long been recognized for its youth academy and player development. The club has produced several professional footballers, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba, and current Barcelona defender Gerard Martín.

In its announcement, UE Cornellà stated that 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 club emphasized that the project is guided by a long-term vision combining ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to local roots.

The purchase represents Messi’s first venture into owning a European football club, though he is already a partner in Uruguayan side Deportivo LSM alongside former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez. Messi’s involvement with Cornellà also follows his recent efforts in youth football, including hosting the inaugural Messi Cup at Chase Stadium in December 2025, which featured under-16 teams from clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

Founded in 1951, UE Cornellà has maintained a strong tradition in Catalan and national football, consistently competing in Spanish semi-professional leagues while developing talent for higher levels. The club’s statement noted that numerous players who have gone on to elite careers — including Javi Puado of RCD Espanyol, Keita Baldé, Aitor Ruibal of Real Betis, and Ilie Sánchez, an MLS champion — came through its academy system.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals in 778 games from 2004 to 2021, joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Since then, he has scored 83 goals in 96 games for the MLS side, helping them win the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup in 2025.

The club’s ground is situated next to the RCDE Stadium, home of La Liga side RCD Espanyol, with only 15 meters separating the two venues. This proximity underscores Cornellà’s embedded role in the local football ecosystem of the Baix Llobregat region.

As of the announcement date, no further details regarding structural changes, investment plans, or operational timelines for UE Cornellà under Messi’s ownership have been disclosed by the club or Messi’s representatives.