Lionel Messi has purchased Spanish third-tier side UE Cornella, the club have announced in a statement.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward will have full control of the club after reportedly buying a 100 per cent stake.
Cornella is based in Catalonia, where Messi spent most of his playing career with La Liga giants Barcelona. The club’s stadium is located just five miles from the Nou Camp.
Messi’s acquisition of the Spanish club was confirmed in an official statement, which read:
“UE Cornella announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Leo Messi has formalized the acquisition of the club, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat institution.“This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia — a connection rooted in his years at FC Barcelona and sustained ever since.”