Messi buys Cornia Club… “fifth division in Spain”

Argentine star Lionel Messi, who plays for the American team Inter Miami, has acquired ownership of Cornia, a fifth-tier Spanish football club, according to what the club, which is located on the outskirts of Barcelona, ​​announced Thursday.
Cornia said in a statement, “Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has completed the official acquisition of Cornia FC, thus becoming the club’s new owner.”
The club, which was founded in 1951, indicated “the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of enhancing sporting and institutional development, consolidating the structure, and continuing to invest in young talents.”
He continued, “The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a close connection to its local roots.”
This operation comes several weeks after his eternal rival, Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, acquired 25 percent of the shares of another Spanish club, second-tier Almeria, and will lead to “strengthening close relations with Barcelona” for the Catalan club legend and “his commitment to developing sports and local talent in Catalonia,” according to what was stated in the statement.
The acquisition also confirms the stated desire of Messi, 38, to return to live in Catalonia at the end of his football career.
Many prominent players have joined the ranks of Cornia, including Arsenal’s English goalkeeper, David Raya, and Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba.
Cornia was relegated to the lower division twice in a row in the past two seasons.
Messi graduated from Barcelona’s La Masia academy before spending 17 seasons in the first team, becoming its all-time top scorer with 672 goals.
The Argentine national team captain and 2022 World Cup champion has been playing with Inter Miami since 2023 and led them last season to win the league title for the first time in its history. He is currently preparing to participate for the sixth and final time in his career in the World Cup this summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico.