Barcelona, Spain – April 17, 2026 — Lionel Messi has taken another significant step off the pitch by acquiring 100% ownership of Unió Esportiva Cornellà (UE Cornellà), a Catalan football club based in the Baix Llobregat region near Barcelona.
The club officially announced the news on Thursday, April 16, 2026, confirming that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has formalized the acquisition and is now the sole owner of the institution.
In its statement, UE Cornellà said: “UE Cornellà announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Leo Messi has formalized the acquisition of the club, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat institution. This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia.”
Founded in 1951, UE Cornellà is a modest club known for its strong youth academy, which has produced talents such as former Barcelona and current Inter Miami player Jordi Alba, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, and several other professionals. The team currently competes in Spain’s fifth tier (Tercera RFEF), though some reports note its recent positioning in the fourth or third tier depending on promotion/relegation status.
No financial details of the transaction were disclosed. The purchase marks Messi’s first full ownership of a European club and adds to his growing portfolio of football investments, which already includes a stake in Inter Miami (where he currently plays in Major League Soccer).
The announcement has been widely welcomed in Catalonia, with many viewing it as a long-term investment in grassroots football and a sign of Messi’s deep connection to the region where he became a global superstar during his 17 years at FC Barcelona.
Messi, 38, continues to focus on his playing career with Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, but this move suggests he is already laying the groundwork for his post-playing future in football management and club development.
The story has generated significant buzz across Spanish and international media, highlighting Messi’s enduring influence both on and off the field.
