Lionel Messi has purchased 100% of UE Cornellà, a Spanish football club. UE Cornellà is currently third in its league table. According to major media, UE Cornellà plays in the Tercera Federación Group 5, the Spanish fifth tier, and is located on the outskirts of Barcelona, about five miles from Camp Nou. The club was founded in 1951. In an official statement, UE Cornellà said 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 added that the project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots.
Messi is currently contracted to Inter Miami until 2028, according to major media. He is reportedly facing a lawsuit from a Florida promoter for fraud and breach of contract related to missing an Argentina friendly match in 2025, as reported by TMZ. According to TMZ, the promoter VID claims they agreed to a $7 million deal with the Argentina Football Association for exclusive rights to two exhibition matches in October 2025, requiring Messi to play at least 30 minutes in each unless injured. Messi missed Argentina's friendly against Venezuela in October 2025 but played in the match against Puerto Rico. He scored twice for Inter Miami the day after missing the Argentina vs. Venezuela match.
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.
Historically, Messi received the first red card of his Barcelona career in the Spanish Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao, leading to a two-match suspension that caused him to miss a potential Copa del Rey tie against Cornellà in his final season at Barcelona, according to major media. This past connection adds a layer of irony to his new ownership.
Notable players who have emerged from Cornellà's youth system include Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona star Jordi Alba, as reported by major media. This highlights the club's role in developing talent, which aligns with Messi's broader goals.
The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots.
According to UE Cornellà, Messi's purchase strengthens his ties to Catalonia and his commitment to developing sport and local talent in the region. The club stated that this step strengthens Messi's close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talents in Catalonia — a connection that has its roots in his years at FC Barcelona and has endured since then. This move reflects his ongoing connection to the area where he spent much of his career.
In a parallel development, Cristiano Ronaldo bought a 25% stake in Spanish second-tier side UD Almería in February 2026. This comparison underscores a trend of high-profile footballers investing in Spanish clubs, though Messi's acquisition involves full ownership of a lower-tier team.
This step strengthens Messi's close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talents in Catalonia — a connection that has its roots in his years at FC Barcelona and has endured since then.
Key unknowns remain, including how much Lionel Messi paid for UE Cornellà and the exact date of the purchase. It is also unclear whether Messi plans any operational involvement in UE Cornellà beyond ownership, which could influence the club's future direction.
Further uncertainties surround the current status and details of the lawsuit against Messi by promoter VID, as well as whether Messi's purchase of UE Cornellà is part of a broader investment strategy in football. These factors add complexity to his off-field activities as he balances ownership with his playing career and legal challenges.