Lionel Messi has emulated David Beckham’s path by acquiring his own soccer team. The renowned Argentine, hailed as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history, is excelling in the twilight phase of his career at Inter Miami.
In a similar vein to Beckham, who initiated the club setup in 2014 before its establishment in 2018, Inter Miami has achieved notable success in the MLS. The team secured the Leagues Cup in 2023 and clinched their conference title the following year.
Moreover, Inter Miami has drawn in top-tier talents like Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba since its inception. Now, Messi is venturing into the next chapter of his illustrious career by purchasing UE Cornella in the Spanish third division.
Situated in Catalonia, reminiscent of his cherished Barcelona where he spent 17 years, Messi has reportedly acquired a full stake in Cornella, establishing complete ownership. A formal statement regarding the acquisition highlighted Messi’s bond with Barcelona and his dedication to fostering local talent in Catalonia, rooted in his FC Barcelona era.
UE Cornella, founded in 1951, boasts a rich tradition in Catalan football and nationally. The club is renowned for its robust youth academy and competitive edge in Spanish semi-professional football, shaping numerous players who have ascended to national and international levels.
Messi’s arrival signals a fresh phase for the club, focusing on athletic and institutional advancement, fortifying its core, and investing in talent. The initiative aligns with a long-term vision and strategic blueprint combining ambition, sustainability, and local community ties.
Having started his journey at Newell’s Old Boys and transitioning to Barcelona in 2004, Messi spent a remarkable 17-year tenure with the La Liga powerhouse, setting records with 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances. He remains the club’s leading goal scorer of all time.
Accumulating an impressive array of accolades, including seven Ballon d’Ors, 10 La Liga titles, 14 domestic cups, and four Champions League triumphs, Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Subsequently, he secured two Ligue 1 championships and a Trophee des Champions before joining Inter Miami in 2023.
Under contract until 2028, Messi exhibits no signs of deceleration. His potential return to international competition this summer remains uncertain, as Argentina aims to defend their World Cup title from four years ago in the upcoming tournament across North America.