Legendary Barcelona player Lionel Messi may have hinted at a future return to living in Spain with his recent purchase of a Spanish club located close to Barcelona. The Inter Miami and Argentina star, while still active on the field, has acknowledged that his playing career is nearing its end.
At 38 years old, Messi recently signed a contract extension with Inter Miami through 2028, indicating his intention to continue playing for at least another year or two. A key question surrounding his future is his participation in the 2026 World Cup. Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, has expressed his commitment to making it happen, but Messi himself has been hesitant to make a definitive statement.
Messi Becomes Owner of UE Cornella
Messi has issued a statement, as reported by Marca, confirming his acquisition of a majority ownership in Unio Esportiva Cornella. This club currently competes in Spain’s Tercera RFEF, the fifth tier of semi-professional football. Established in 1951 through a merger, Cornella is recognized for its strong youth academy, having produced notable players such as David Raya, Gerard Martin, Jordi Alba, and Javi Puado. Interestingly, Alba, as the owner of L’Hospitalet, which also plays in the same division, could find himself competing against Messi’s club.
A Hint at Messi’s Future?
This move could suggest that Messi envisions himself living in Barcelona again in the future. Following a visit to Camp Nou earlier in the season, he expressed a desire to live in Catalonia once more, referring to the city as ‘home.’ Messi has never sold his Barcelona residence, and there have always been discussions about a potential homage to him at Camp Nou, though strained relations with President Joan Laporta might pose a challenge.
