Cornellà announced on April 17 that the legendary Argentine forward had completed the acquisition, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat club.
The news spread rapidly across international media outlets, instantly transforming the lower-league team’s branding growth.
In just over two days, Cornellà’s Instagram followers exceeded the 600,000 mark, making them the third most followed football club in the Catalonia region, only behind Barcelona with 147 million followers and Girona’s 1.1 million.
When Cornellà hosted Gramenet at the Municipal de Cornellà Stadium on April 19, the Messi effect dominated all local discussions despite it being a highly crucial match for league promotion.
Right outside the venue, vendors were already offering Cornellà jerseys bearing Messi’s name and the number 10 jersey for €40 (US$47.05). However, buyers could only pre-order the merchandise since the club had not yet manufactured the jerseys.
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Nashville in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 on March 18, 2026. Photo by Inter Miami |
Many loyal supporters initially did not believe that Messi actually became the owner of Cornellà.
“I thought the announcement was a product of AI because it was unbelievable,” one fan said.
The coaching staff received the reality with immense joy.
“Messi buying the club is a surprise but brings great happiness. It’s wonderful that the greatest player in history is associated with Cornella,” coach Ignasi Senabre told Mark.
Fans now hope this investment will push the team toward the Segunda Division, though some openly worry about rising season ticket prices.
On the pitch, the “Messi era” began with a tense 1-1 draw against Gramenet, featuring a goal from Gonzalo Pereira while young fans watched excitedly in their old Barcelona jerseys of Messi.
Founded in 1951, Cornellà has long been respected throughout Spain for their youth development system. The academy has produced top-tier talents like current Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Gerard Martín, Javi Puado, Keita Balde, Aitor Ruibal, Ilie Sanchez and Messi’s former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba.
Cornellà’s commitment to developing young players in decades perfectly aligns with Messi’s current off-field business priorities.
In December 2025, the superstar organized the inaugural Messi Cup in Miami, a youth tournament that brought together elite academies from global powerhouses like Inter Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona.
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