Spanish football club Cornella announced that Argentine legend Lionel Messi has officially become the team’s new owner, after completing the acquisition of the club located in the Baix Llobregat area.
This announcement comes weeks after Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo announced his acquisition of 25% of Almeria’s shares through his investment company, CR7 Sports Investments, and his joining the club’s owners’ alliance.
Today, Thursday, Cornella Club issued an official statement confirming that Messi owns the team.
The club explained in its statement: “This step strengthens Messi’s close relationship with Barcelona and his commitment to developing sports and local talent in Catalonia, a relationship that has been well-established since his years at FC Barcelona and has continued until today.”
He added: “Cornilla Club, which was founded in 1951, is one of the most prestigious clubs in the history of Catalan football, and at the national level as well. Throughout its history, the club has been distinguished by its strong youth academy and its ability to compete at the highest levels of semi-professional Spanish football, becoming a reference in the development of young talents.”
He continued: “Many players have graduated from the club’s ranks who have reached the elite of football at the national and international levels, including the Spanish and Arsenal national team goalkeeper, David Raya, Jordi Alba, Messi’s former teammate in both Barcelona and Inter Miami, Gerard Martin, one of Barcelona’s most prominent players in recent times after his development as a key defender, Javi Boadu, captain of Espanyol and the Spanish national team, Senegalese Keita Balde, who has extensive experience in the best European leagues, and Aitor Roybal, one of “Real Betis’ current captains, two-time MLS champion and All-Star Elie Sanchez – along with many other players who have made their way to the professional level – embody the strength and success of the club’s talent development model.”
The statement continued: “Messi’s commitment to young talent is also evident in the club’s strong youth development structure, where his teams compete in the best youth categories at the national and regional levels. This commitment has also been demonstrated through other initiatives to develop young talent, such as the Messi Cup tournament, the first edition of which was held last December in Miami, with the participation of eight of the world’s best U-16 teams (Newell’s Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Inter Miami, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, And Manchester City, and Barcelona).
The club concluded: “The joining of Lionel Messi represents the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, which aims to advance sporting and institutional growth, strengthen its foundations, and continue investing in talent. This project is based on a long-term vision and strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a close connection to its local roots.” (Erm News)
