Messi returns to Barcelona to purchase fifth-tier Catalan club Cornella

[p]The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is still playing in the United States for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/inter-miami/0AheRyBg/"]Inter Miami[/a] and is expected to play a key role in Argentina's World Cup title defence this year.[/p][p][b]"This move reinforces [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/messi-lionel/vgOOdZbd/"]Messi[/a]'s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia,"[/b] the club said in a statement confirming the former Barcelona star's acquisition.[/p][p]Several top players have come through the ranks at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/cornella/nqWqIAh1/"]Cornella[/a], including Arsenal goalkeeper [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/raya-david/nkVV0IXb/"]David Raya[/a] and Messi's former Barca teammate [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/alba-jordi/42SIX9sl/"]Jordi Alba[/a].[/p][p]Cornella have suffered back-to-back relegations in the past two seasons.[/p][p][b]"Leo Messi's arrival marks 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," [/b]Cornella added.[/p][p][b]"The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots."[/b][/p][embed guid="72f2c9f6-f95a-4bfd-8767-bd263e4121d9" url="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2044796377939493127" social-type="twitter" /][p]Messi came through [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/barcelona/SKbpVP5K/"]Barcelona[/a]'s academy before spending 17 seasons in the Catalan giants' first team, becoming their all-time leading scorer with 672 goals.[/p][p]The 38-year-old has previously said he would return to live in Catalonia after he retires from football.[/p][p]He is set to play in his sixth World Cup when Argentina start their title defence at the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada against Algeria in Kansas on June 16th.[/p][p]Messi's great rival [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ronaldo-cristiano/WGOY4FSt/"]Cristiano Ronaldo[/a] bought a 25-per cent stake in another Spanish club, second-tier [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/almeria/nF2Vy2D0/"]Almeria[/a], two months ago.[/p]