The club are based in the south-west of Barcelona, where Messi – who has taken 100% ownership – made his name in a 17-year career between 2004 and 2021.

“UE Cornella announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Leo Messi has formalised the acquisition of the club, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat institution,” the Catalan club said in a statement.

“This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia – a connection rooted in his years at FC Barcelona and sustained ever since.”

Cornella was founded in 1951 and competed in regional competitions and lower leagues in Spain before winning promotion to the Segunda Division B in 2013-2014.

They beat Atletico Madrid in a huge Copa del Rey shock in 2021 before being eliminated in the next round by Barcelona after extra-time.

Cornella have produced several players who have go on to have successful professional careers, including Jordi Alba – Messi’s former team-mate at Barcelona and Inter Miami – current Barca defender Gerard Martin and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

Messi, who is now 38 and plays for Inter Miami in the United States, scored a club record 672 goals for Barcelona in 778 games, winning 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues at the Camp Nou.