Global football icon Lionel Messi has sent a direct message of support to the players and staff of UE Cornellà, following his recent acquisition of the Spanish fifth-division side.
In a video message shared with the club on Thursday, the Inter Miami star introduced himself as the new owner and expressed his commitment to the team's future. "I wanted to say hello and let you know we are here to help you grow. We are very excited about this new project," Messi said.
The acquisition, announced on April 16, is seen as a strategic move to bolster youth development. Cornellà is renowned for its prolific academy, which produced top-tier talents like Jordi Alba, David Raya, and Gerard Martín.
Messi’s message arrives at a pivotal moment. With only two matchdays left in the Tercera RFEF regular season, Cornellà has already secured a spot in the promotion playoffs for Segunda RFEF. The football legend confirmed he has been "following and supporting" the team’s progress every weekend via social media.
The club released a statement welcoming the takeover, noting that Messi’s arrival signals a "long-term vision" for both sporting and institutional success. The plan aims to balance high-level ambition with the club’s traditional connection to its local roots.
