According to the team's announcement, taking over the club is seen as a step to strengthen Messi's long-term relationship with Barcelona regional football, while aiming to develop a youth training system and a local sports platform in the long term.
UE Cornella emphasized that Messi's participation opens a "new chapter" in the team's history, with the orientation of improving professional quality, increasing investment in training young talents and building a sustainable development strategy.
Before the deal with UE Cornella, Messi and his close teammate Luis Suarez also participated in investing and owning the Deportivo LSM club in Uruguay. This is considered a sign that the striker born in 1987 is gradually expanding his role in the field of football management after his peak playing career.
UE Cornella was founded in 1951, is one of the teams with traditions in the Catalan football system and the Spanish semi-professional level. This club is famous for its youth training, having contributed many players to top European teams.
Some faces who grew up from Cornella's training academy include goalkeeper David Raya (playing for Arsenal), defender Jordi Alba (former Barcelona player and currently playing for Inter Miami) and some young players playing in Spanish professional leagues.
Messi's participation in owning the team in Spain is considered a noteworthy step in the journey to shift to the role of investor and football development, in parallel with his playing career still continuing at Inter Miami.
