Messi’s latest move lands him at UE Cornellà, a fifth‑tier side just south of Barcelona. The Argentine star’s purchase sparked a social‑media frenzy: the club’s Instagram followers surged from 40,000 to almost 200,000 in 24 hours. Mayor Antonio Balmón called the takeover a “great day” for the town, signalling local enthusiasm and a boost to the club’s financial prospects for the next season.

Not his first step into ownership, Messi also partners with Deportivo LSM in Uruguay alongside former Barça teammate Luis Suárez. Cornellà’s ground, Camp Municipal, sits a stone’s throw from Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium, sharing the same access points. While the smaller pitch holds about 1,500, the larger stadium seats 37,776, highlighting the disparity between the clubs and underscoring the club’s ambitious climb through the Spanish pyramid.

After back‑to‑back relegations in 2023‑24 and 2024‑25, Cornellà now competes in the Tercera Federación, one of 324 clubs vying for promotion. They trail L'Hospitalet, owned by former Barça star Jordi Alba, by five points with four games left. A final‑day clash could decide whether Messi’s investment sparks a revival for the club’s long‑term ambitions and the local fanbase.