Emmanuel Mensah
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has taken a major step into football ownership after acquiring Spanish third-division side UE Cornellà, the club announced on Thursday.
The Catalonia-based outfit, widely recognised for its strong youth development structure, confirmed the takeover in an official statement, describing it as the beginning of a transformative phase aimed at strengthening both sporting performance and institutional growth.
Club officials indicated that the new ownership will prioritise long-term planning, with a particular emphasis on nurturing young talent and reinforcing internal systems. Over the years, Cornellà has earned a reputation for developing players who have gone on to succeed at top levels of the game, including Jordi Alba, Gerard Martín, and David Raya.
Messi’s move signals a growing interest in shaping football beyond his playing career, especially in the area of youth development. His involvement is expected to bring increased visibility and potential investment to the club, while preserving its identity as a hub for emerging talent.
In its statement, Cornellà noted that Messi’s arrival represents a new chapter, with ambitions to build a sustainable future both on and off the pitch without losing sight of the club’s core values.
The acquisition follows Messi’s recent initiatives in youth football, including hosting the inaugural youth tournament at Chase Stadium in late 2025, further underlining his commitment to developing the next generation of players.
Yaw Boagyan
