Lionel Messi buys Spanish club

The acquisition, confirmed on Thursday, marks a new chapter in the Argentine legend's career and reinforces his deep ties to Barcelona and Catalonia.

In an official statement, Cornellà announced that Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a long-term strategic plan focused on institutional growth and sustainability.

Messi’s decision to invest in Cornellà is seen as his commitment to developing young talent in the region, ESPN reported.

Lionel Messi speaks at the American Business Forum at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Nov. 3, 2025. Photo by Reuters

Despite competing in the Tercera RFEF, the fifth tier of the Spanish football system, Cornellà hold a prestigious reputation in Catalan football and are widely recognized as a talent factory.

The club’s youth academy has been a launchpad for several high-profile players, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Messi’s long-time teammate at both Barcelona and Inter Miami, Jordi Alba. Other notable players from the academy include current Barcelona defender Gerard Martín, Javi Puado and Keita Baldé.

These players, along with many others, are products of the youth talent development model that Cornellà have pursued for decades. The club still maintain a youth team that compete at the highest levels in Spain.

This emphasis on youth development aligns with Messi's philanthropic and business interests, such as the inaugural Messi Cup youth tournament held in Miami last December, with the participation of major clubs like Inter, River Plate, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and Barca.

The 38-year-old superstar, who is currently leading Inter Miami and preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, is not new to the business of football. He previously co-founded the Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM with his close friend and teammate Luis Suárez.

By acquiring Cornellà, Messi joins a growing list of active and former players investing in European football assets. Recent years have seen N'Golo Kanté purchase Royal Excelsior Virton in Belgium, Kylian Mbappé acquire a majority stake in French club SM Caen, Luka Modrić invest in England’s Swansea City and Vinicius Jr. buy stakes in Alverca, a Portuguese club.