Barcelona-based Cornella sold to Lionel Messi in major transfer deal

Lionel Messi Acquires UE Cornella Football Club

Argentine forward Lionel Messi has acquired UE Cornella, a fifth-division football club based in Barcelona, Spain. The deal was announced by the club on Thursday without providing further details.

Messi played for FC Barcelona from 2004 to 2021, where he won numerous titles and received multiple Ballon d’Or awards. He is now 38 years old and aims to participate in this year’s World Cup in North America, which will see Argentina defend their title.

UE Cornella was founded in 1951 and has produced players such as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, who also played with Messi at Inter Miami. The club stated that Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in its history, guided by a long-term vision and strategic plan.

The club’s statement noted that the project combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots. Messi’s ownership of UE Cornella is his latest venture outside of professional football.

Source: Al Jazeera