Recently relegated 

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Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi has bought Spanish club UE Cornellà. “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,” a club statement read.” Based in Catalonia, Cornellà was founded in 1951 and, while only playing in the lower echelons of Spanish football, has a strong track record in youth development.

A glimpse into the Transfemarkt database underlines this. Among the players that have graduated from Cornellà are Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Barcelona’s left-back Gerard Martín, former Man United goalkeeper André Onana, and Espanyol winger Javi Puado. Former graduates of the club also include Messi’s former Barça and Miami teammate Jordi Alba and MLS Cup winner Ilie Sánchez.

With Messi on board, Cornellà hopes to move the club to another level. “Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent,” a club statement said. “The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots.”

UE Cornellà relegated – Can Messi rescue them?

While Cornellà have a fantastic track record of developing young players, the senior squad has struggled in recent years. From 2014 to 2024, Cornellà played in the Spanish third division, but back-to-back relegations in 2024 and 2025 have seen the club drop to the fifth division (league history). Messi, in the meantime, has been playing in Major League Soccer since 2023 and led Inter Miami CF to their first MLS Cup triumph last season. The 38-year-old is the league’s biggest star and, according to the MLSPA salary guide, earns over $20 million a season at the club.