Messi Acquires Full Ownership of UE Cornellà

Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer star and captain of Inter Miami CF, has acquired full ownership of UE Cornellà, a Catalan club in Spain's third tier, the club announced this week. The 38-year-old, who spent 17 years at FC Barcelona earlier in his career, now holds a 100 percent stake in the team based in Baix Llobregat, about five miles from Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium.

The acquisition underscores Messi's enduring connection to Catalonia and his focus on nurturing young talent. In an official statement, UE Cornellà said the move "reinforces Messi's close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia, a connection rooted in his years at FC Barcelona and sustained ever since." Founded in 1916 and reestablished in 1951, the club has built a reputation for its youth academy, producing players who have reached elite levels in European and international soccer. Notable graduates include Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Barcelona defender Gerard Martín, former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba, Espanyol captain Javi Puado, Real Betis winger Aitor Ruibal, Senegal international Keita Baldé, and MLS champion Ilie Sánchez.