Lionel Messi Acquires Catalan Fifth-Tier Club Cornella

Lionel Messi has become the new owner of Cornella, a Catalan football club competing in the fifth tier of Spanish football. The club announced that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has formalized the acquisition, reinforcing his commitment to sport and local talent development in Catalonia.

Messi, 38 years old, is currently playing for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in the United States, having moved there in 2023 after leaving Paris St-Germain in 2021.

He is widely recognized for his achievements with Barcelona, where he scored a club record 672 goals in 778 games, won 10 La Liga titles, and helped the team secure four Champions League trophies. Cornella's stadium has a capacity of 1,500 spectators.

The club has a history of developing players who have gone on to higher levels, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona and Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba.

Messi left Argentina for Spain at age 13 and made his first-team debut for Barcelona at 17 in October 2004. His acquisition of Cornella highlights his ongoing connection to Catalonia and his interest in fostering local football talent. In a related development, Cristiano Ronaldo purchased a 25% stake in Spanish side Almeria in February.

Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.