Lionel Messi is making a major move from the pitch to the front office. The legendary Argentine forward has officially become the new owner of Spanish club UE Cornellà, as confirmed by the Catalan side on Thursday.

This acquisition marks Messi's significant first step into football club ownership, taking control of a team based in the Barcelona area where he became a global icon. While the precise financial details of the agreement remain private, reports indicate the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner now holds full ownership of the club.

UE Cornellà currently competes in Group 5 of the Tercera Federación, Spain's fifth tier. The club is situated in Cornellà de Llobregat, a municipality just outside Barcelona, deeply connecting this investment to Messi's storied past. After rising through La Masia and spending 17 historic seasons with FC Barcelona's first team, Messi has long expressed a desire to return to Catalonia after his playing days, making this venture a deeply personal next chapter.

This move also continues a fascinating trend of football megastars investing in the Spanish game. Notably, Messi's long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly secured a minority stake in second-division side Almería earlier this year, setting the stage for a new, off-field dimension to their enduring legacy.