'For Barcelona,' Messi, 'Sudden Acquisition of Spanish Club' Officially Announced: '100% Stake'... "Similar to Ronaldo"

*This content was translated by AI.

The god of football, Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami), has declared his challenge in football management. Messi, who grew to become the greatest player in FC Barcelona's history, has suddenly acquired a club in the Catalonia region.

Multiple media outlets, including the UK's 'BBC', reported on the 17th (Korea time) that "Argentina's legend Messi has become the new owner of Cornella, a Catalonia club competing in Spain's fifth division".

On the same day, the Cornella club also announced that "eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi has officially formalized the club acquisition", confirming Messi's appointment as club owner.

Messi's move is interpreted as an effort to develop the region where he grew up as a professional football player. The Cornella club Messi acquired is located just 5 miles (about 8 km) from Camp Nou, Barcelona's home stadium. The UK 'Daily Mail' explained that "Messi acquired 100% of Cornella's shares, completely taking over the club's management rights", and that "this is Messi's first club acquisition as he prepares for life after his football career".

Additionally, the media outlet analyzed that "while the exact amount Messi paid has not been disclosed, this acquisition will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen the bond with Barcelona".

'BBC' analyzed that "Messi moved to Spain at age 13 and wrote a historic record with 778 appearances and 672 goals for Barcelona", and that "this acquisition demonstrates Messi's dedication to the development of sports in the Catalonia region and the cultivation of local talent".

Cornella, a lower-league Spanish club, is also well-known as a promising powerhouse that has continuously produced world-class players. It boasts a high-level youth academy that has produced Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Jordi Alba, Messi's close teammate. In particular, Messi grew for two years at the Cornella academy before joining Barcelona, and several stars, including Ilie Sanchez, passed through here.

Messi's decision this time is similar to the moves of rival Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr). Ronaldo became a co-owner by acquiring a 25% stake in Almeria, a Spanish second-division club, last February.

This is not Messi's first club ownership investment. 'ESPN' added that "Messi is already participating as a partner in the Uruguayan professional team Deportivo LSM along with his Miami teammate Luis Suárez". This is also a continuation of his consistent interest in youth football, such as supporting eight teams under the age of 16 through the first Messi Cup held at Chase Stadium last December.

The Cornella club emphasized in an official statement that "Messi's club acquisition is an investment purpose to strengthen Cornella's foundation and continue cultivating talent", and that "this project will continue under a long-term vision and strategic plan".

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*This content was translated by AI.