The Digest:
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has become the new owner of Catalan club Cornella, which plays in the fifth tier of Spanish football. The 38-year-old, who is currently playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, has formalised the acquisition of the club, Cornella announced. The club said the move "reinforces Messi's close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of local talent in Catalonia." Messi's former rival Cristiano Ronaldo bought a 25% stake in Almeria in February.
Key Points:
- Messi scored a club record 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona.
- Cornella's stadium has a capacity of 1,500.
- Arsenal keeper David Raya and ex-Barcelona defender Jordi Alba came through Cornella's ranks.
- Messi left Barcelona for PSG in 2021, then moved to Inter Miami in 2023.
- The acquisition aims to drive growth in both sports and institutions.
