Lionel Messi buys UE Cornellà: All you need to know about the Catalan based third-division club

Lionel Messithe football legend and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has reportedly taken full ownership of UE Cornellàa community-based club in Catalonia, Spain. This surprising move places the Argentine superstar as 100% owner of a modest third-division side located just minutes from his former home at FC Barcelona.

Whether you’re a Messi fan, a follower of Spanish lower-league football, or curious about the GOAT’s latest venture off the pitch, here’s everything you need to know about the Messi UE Cornellà acquisition and the club itself.

Messi’s Entry into Club Ownership in Spain

According to reports, Lionel Messi has acquired 100% ownership of Cornellà Sports Union (UE Cornellà). The club competes in Spain’s Third Federation (fifth tier of Spanish football, often referred to as the third division in regional contexts).

Who Are UE Cornellà? Club History and Background

UE Cornellà was founded in 1951 through the merger of several local clubs in Cornellà de Llobregat, a town in the Barcelona metropolitan area (Baix Llobregat region).

• Full Name: Cornellà Sports Union
• Founded: 1951
• Nickname: Often referred to as the green-and-whites
• Colors: Green and white striped shirts with green shorts
• Current League (2025-26 season): Third Federation – Group 5 (after relegation from Second Federation in 2024-25)

The club spent decades in the lower regional divisions before achieving its biggest breakthrough in 2014when it earned promotion to the third tier (Segunda División B / now Segunda Federación) for the first time in its history. It has built a reputation as a solid, hard-working side known for occasional giant-killing performances in the King’s Cup.

In the 2020-21 season, Cornellà famously knocked out Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, creating one of the biggest upsets in recent Spanish football history.