BARCELONA, Spain (AP) 鈥� is the owner of a fifth-division soccer club in Spain after the Argentine superstar acquired Barcelona-based UE Cornell脿.
Messi was the best player of his generation during his two decades at FC Barcelona, where he won multiple titles and Ballon d鈥橭r awards before leaving in 2021.
Cornell脿 is a modest club in a working-class neighborhood. The club announced the deal on Thursday without giving details of the purchase.
鈥淟eo Messi鈥檚 arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club鈥檚 history,鈥� the club said in a statement. 鈥淭he project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots.鈥�
Cornell脿 was founded in 1951 and has helped produce players such as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, who also played with Messi at Inter Miami.
At age 38, Messi is aiming to compete in the this summer in North America where Argentina will defend the title.
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