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Lionel Messi Buys Fifth-Tier Catalan Club UE Cornellà

The move signals a long-term push to rebuild a famed Catalan academy.

Overview

  • UE Cornellà, which announced the deal Thursday, said Messi has formalized the purchase and is now the club’s owner.
  • The team competes in Spain’s fifth tier, the Tercera Federación, after consecutive relegations in 2024 and 2025.
  • The club framed the takeover as a long-term plan to strengthen its structure and invest in local youth development.
  • Cornellà is renowned for producing top players, including Jordi Alba and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
  • Some outlets report Messi has full control, though the announcement did not specify the stake, and this is his first ownership of a European club.