Lionel Messi has purchased a fifth-tier Spanish side just weeks after Cristiano Ronaldo did the same in the next step of the pair's rivalry.
The Argentine has secured complete control of UE Cornella, which sits just five miles from Camp Nou on the outskirts of Barcelona.
The purchase price has not been disclosed, but the move signals Messi's preparations for his post-playing career.
The Inter Miami forward's decision to invest in a club so close to his former home strengthens his ties to Catalonia, where he spent the majority of his professional career with Barcelona.
Lionel Messi has purchased a fifth-tier Spanish side just weeks after Cristiano Ronaldo did the same
| GETTYTRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
UE Cornella was established in 1951 and currently competes in Tercera Federacion Group Five, where they occupy third place behind Manresa and Badalona, with ambitions of reaching the fourth tier.
The club has produced notable talent over the years, with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba both emerging from its youth system.
In a statement, UE Cornella described Messi's arrival as "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".
The club added that the project follows "a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots".
The purchase price of Messi's move has not been disclosed
| GETTYLATEST SPORTS NEWS
Despite his new investment near Barcelona, a return to Camp Nou appears improbable given Messi's contract with David Beckham's Inter Miami runs until 2028.
During his final campaign at Barcelona, the two sides were drawn together in the Copa del Rey, but Messi was unavailable for the fixture.
He was serving a two-match ban following the first red card of his Barcelona career, which came in the Spanish Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao.
Messi's move into Spanish football ownership follows a similar venture by his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who acquired a 25 per cent stake in second-division side UD Almeria in February.
Ronaldo has purchased a 25 per cent stake in second-division side UD Almeria
|REUTERS
The Portuguese forward, still playing for Al-Nassr at 41, completed the deal through CR7 Sports Investments, a newly established division of his business portfolio.
"It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch," Ronaldo said at the time.
He added: "UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club's next phase of growth."
Club president Mohamed Al Khereiji welcomed the investment warmly.
Ronaldo said it has been 'a longtime ambition' of his to 'contribute to football'
| PA"We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in," Al Khereiji said.
"He is regarded as the greatest to ever play the game, he knows the Spanish leagues very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy."
Almeria currently occupies third position in Segunda División, sitting on 48 points from 27 fixtures and trailing leaders Real Racing.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter