Messi’s move into club ownership adds a new dimension to his off-pitch business portfolio – raising questions about how football’s most recognized name plans to leverage youth development and local brand equity in Catalonia.
Lionel Messi has bought Unió EsportivaCornellà (UE Cornellà), a Spanish fifth-tier football team based in Cornellà de Llobregat, Catalonia, about 13km from Barcelona. The club’s Instagram following jumped from 40,000 to nearly 200,000 within 24 hours after the news was announced, ESPN.com has reported.
Argentina-born Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, moved to Barcelona with his family at the age of 13. He made his official debut for FC Barcelona at 17, later establishing himself as a club icon. He was granted Spanish citizenship in 2005.
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“This 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,” said UE Cornellà on the new club’s owner.
Established in 1951, UE Cornellà has distinguished itself for its strong youth academy. Several players who began their careers at the club have progressed to national and international football’s highest levels. Notable examples include David Raya, Jordi Alba, Gerard Martín, Javi Puado, Keita Baldé, Aitor Ruibal, and Ilie Sánchez.
Messi’s commitment to young talent is also demonstrated through other youth development initiatives, such as the Messi Cup, an international youth football tournament that held its inaugural edition last December in Miami. The tournament brought together eight of the world’s top U16 teams: Inter Miami,Barcelona, Manchester City,River Plate,Inter Milan,Newell’s Old Boys, Atlético de Madrid, andChelsea. The Messi Cup was launched by 525 Rosario, the production company founded by Messi, named after his hometown in Argentina.
