Lionel Messi has emulated David Beckham’s actions by acquiring his own soccer club. The renowned Argentine, often hailed as the best footballer in history, is currently excelling in the later stages of his career at Inter Miami.
Beckham utilized an option to establish the club in 2014 before officially launching it in 2018. Since then, Inter Miami has achieved notable success in the MLS, securing the Leagues Cup in 2023 and winning their conference the subsequent year.
The club has also drawn in several top-tier talents over the years, including Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba. Now, Messi is venturing into a new realm by purchasing UE Cornella, a team in the Spanish fifth division.
Situated in Catalonia, akin to his cherished Barcelona where he spent 17 years playing, Messi has acquired a full stake in Cornella, making him the sole owner. A statement released to announce the acquisition stated: “UE Cornella discloses that Leo Messi, the Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has completed the takeover of the club, assuming ownership of the Baix Llobregat institution.”
The move solidifies Messi’s connection to Barcelona and his dedication to nurturing sports and local talent in Catalonia, a link established during his time at FC Barcelona and maintained ever since. Founded in 1951, UE Cornella is one of the longstanding clubs in Catalan football and nationally recognized.
Throughout its history, the club has stood out for its robust youth academy and competitive spirit in Spanish semi-professional football, serving as a benchmark in young talent development. Various players who have reached the pinnacle of national and international football emerged from the club, including David Raya, Jordi Alba, Gerard Martin, Javi Puado, Keita Balde, Aitor Ruibal, and Ilie Sánchez.
Messi’s arrival signifies a fresh era for the club, focusing on athletic and institutional advancement, fortifying its roots, and continuing to invest in talent. The project aligns with a long-term strategy combining ambition, sustainability, and a profound connection to the local community.
Starting his journey at Newell’s Old Boys and progressing through Barcelona’s youth system to the first team in 2004, Messi spent 17 years with the La Liga powerhouse, amassing 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 matches, establishing himself as the club’s leading goal scorer.
During his tenure, Messi claimed seven Ballon d’Ors, 10 La Liga titles, 14 domestic cups, and four Champions League trophies before transitioning to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Subsequently, he attained another Ballon d’Or, two Ligue 1 championships, and a Trophee des Champions before joining Inter Miami in 2023.
Contracted until 2028, Messi shows no signs of deceleration. However, it remains uncertain whether the Rosario-born star will return to international duty this summer to aid in defending the World Cup they secured just four years ago, as a new tournament unfolds across North America.
