Lionel Messi has bought Spanish fifth-tier club Cornella and is now the club’s owner, the team confirmed on Thursday.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still playing in the United States for Inter Miami and is also expected to play a key role for Argentina in their World Cup defence this year.
Cornella said Messi’s involvement shows his strong link with Barcelona and his interest in supporting sport and young players in Catalonia.
The club has produced several well-known players, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Jordi Alba, who used to play with Messi at Barcelona.
Cornella have been relegated in each of the last two seasons.
The club said Messi’s arrival marks a new chapter in their history, with plans to improve both sporting results and the club’s structure. They added that the project will focus on long-term growth, stability, and local talent.
Messi came through Barcelona’s academy and spent 17 seasons in the first team, scoring 672 goals and becoming the club’s all-time top scorer.
The 38-year-old has said before that he hopes to return to live in Catalonia after he retires from football.
He is expected to play at his sixth World Cup when Argentina begin their title defence in June in North America.
