Lionel Messi buys Spanish football team as statement heralds 'a new chapter in the club's history'

Lionel Messi has purchased Spanish third division side UE Cornella -Credit:Giorgio VIERA / AFP via Getty Images Lionel Messi has emulated David Beckham by acquiring his very own soccer team. The Argentine, widely regarded as the greatest player to ever grace the sport, continues to flourish in the latter stages of his career at Inter Miami. Beckham utilized an option to establish the club in 2014, before officially founding it in 2018.

In the intervening years, Inter Miami has enjoyed considerable success in the MLS, securing the Leagues Cup in 2023 before claiming its first MLS Cup in 2025. Furthermore, the club has attracted a host of world-class talent since its formation, from Messi himself to the likes of Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba. Now, it appears Messi is laying the groundwork for the next chapter of his illustrious career by purchasing UE Cornella in the Spanish third division, as per The Mirror .

Tim Howard brutally rips into MLS team after firing 11th head coach in 13 seasons England World Cup rivals appoint ex-Real Madrid boss as head coach less than two months from kickoff Messi currently plays for Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham -Credit:Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images Situated in Catalonia — the same region as his beloved Barcelona, where he spent 17 years of his playing career — Messi is understood to have acquired a 100 per cent stake in Cornella, making him the club's outright owner. An official statement confirming the takeover read: "UE Cornella 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 - a connection rooted in his years at FC Barcelona and sustained ever since.

Founded in 1951, UE Cornella is one of the clubs with the greatest tradition in Catalan football, as well as at the national level. "Throughout its history, the club has distinguished itself through a strong youth academy and its ability to compete at the highest levels of Spanish semi-professional football, becoming a benchmark in the development of young talent. "Several players who have gone on to reach the elite level of national and international football have come through the club's ranks, including Spain and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya; Jordi Alba, Messi's former teammate at both FC Barcelona and Inter Miami; Gerard Martin, one of FC Barcelona's recent standout players following his development as a first-team defender; Javi Puado, captain of RCD Espanyol and Spain international; Senegal international Keita Balde, with extensive experience across Europe's top leagues; Aitor Ruibal, one of the current captains of Real Betis Balompie; and Ilie Sánchez, an MLS champion and two-time MLS All-Star.