On 17/4, Cornella announced that Messi had completed the acquisition of the club, officially becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat representative.
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Cornella fans wearing number 10 jerseys with Messi's name. Photo: Marca |
The effect quickly spread globally. International media reported the news, significantly boosting Cornella's brand presence on social media.
In just over two days, the club surpassed Espanyol (549,000) in Instagram followers, exceeding the 600,000 mark and becoming the third most-followed team in Catalonia, behind Barca (147 million) and Girona (1,1 million).
When Cornella hosted Gramenet at Municipal de Cornella on 19/4, the story of Messi became the main topic among fans, despite the match's significance for promotion contention.
Outside the stadium, Cornella jerseys with Messi's name and number 10 were available for sale at 40 EUR (47 USD). However, buyers could only pre-order, as the club had not yet produced them, indicating the rapid pace of events following the surprising acquisition.
Many fans initially disbelieved the news. "I thought it was an AI product because it was too incredible," one person told the Spanish newspaper Marca. Others learned the news through internal club channels, particularly from youth players.
The team's coaching staff received the good news with excitement. "Messi buying the club was a surprise but brought great happiness. It's truly wonderful that the greatest player in history is associated with Cornella," said coach Ignasi Senabre.
Fans hope Messi's investment can help the team compete for promotion, potentially even aiming for the Segunda Division (Spanish second-tier league), though they remain concerned about potential season ticket price increases.
On the field, Cornella could not begin the "Messi era" with a victory, drawing 1-1 with Gramenet. Gonzalo Pereira scored the first goal for the club under the new ownership, while in the stands, many young spectators wore Barca jerseys with Messi's name, illustrating the widespread influence of the Argentine superstar.
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A boy wearing a Messi jersey celebrates Cornella's goal. Photo: Marca |
Founded in 1951, Cornella is one of Catalonia's most traditional football clubs, notable for its youth academy system. Many players have risen to professional football's top ranks from here, including goalkeeper David Raya and defender Jordi Alba, Messi's former teammates at Barca and Inter Miami, as well as Gerard Martin, Javi Puado, Keita Balde, Aitor Ruibal, and Ilie Sanchez.
These players, among others, exemplify the effectiveness of the youth development model Cornella has pursued for decades. The club currently maintains a youth team system competing at the highest levels in Spain.
A commitment to youth football is also a key focus of Messi's off-field activities. In 12/2025, he will host the inaugural Messi Cup in Miami, bringing together major clubs such as: Inter Milan, River Plate, Atletico, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Barca.
Hong Duy (according to Marca)
