Lionel Messi is making moves off the pitch that have fans buzzing. The Barcelona legend and Inter Miami superstar has become the majority owner of UE Cornellà, a semi-professional club playing in Spain's fifth tier, the Tercera RFEF. Located just outside Barcelona, this investment is sparking widespread speculation about a future return to the city he still calls home.

While Messi, now 38, recently extended his contract with Inter Miami through 2028, he has openly acknowledged being in the twilight of his unparalleled playing career. His focus remains on the field for now, with a major question mark hovering over a potential appearance for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.

His new venture, UE Cornellà, is renowned for its prolific academy, having developed talents like Barcelona's Jordi Alba and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Interestingly, Alba himself is now an owner of rival fifth-division side L'Hospitalet, setting up a fascinating off-field rivalry. Messi stated this investment is a long-term project close to his heart, fueling belief that a permanent return to Catalonia is in his plans. He has never sold his Barcelona home and has repeatedly referred to the city as "home," despite the complicated politics at his former club.