Lionel Messi is adding a new title to his legendary resume: club owner. The Inter Miami superstar has officially completed the takeover of Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornellà, marking a significant new chapter for both the player and the modest Catalan club.

This move sees Messi, whose decorated career includes eight Ballon d'Or awards and countless trophies with FC Barcelona, deepen his roots in Catalonia. The club confirmed the acquisition, stating it "reinforces Messi's close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in the region."

While Cornellà currently plays in front of just 1,500 fans, the club has a proven track record of developing elite talent, having produced stars like Barcelona's Jordi Alba and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Messi's ownership is viewed as a long-term project aimed at elevating the club's profile and infrastructure.

In a statement, Cornellà outlined a vision of "sporting and institutional growth," combining "ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots." For Messi, who began his own European journey as a teenager in Barcelona, this investment represents a full-circle moment—shifting from a player who defined an era to an owner helping to build a future for the next generation.