Messi delivered the message via video to the squad at the club's ground in Cornellà de Llobregat, just southwest of Barcelona, where UE Cornellà compete in the Tercera Federación — Spain's fifth tier. The club have already secured their place in the promotion play-offs to the Segunda RFEF with two matchdays remaining.
"I wanted to introduce myself and say hello, and let you know that we're here to grow and help in any way we can. We're very excited about this new project. I'm following and supporting you every weekend."
The players responded with applause. Messi, still a contracted Inter Miami player in MLS, added that he follows matches through social media — a level of hands-on interest that has surprised those who expected a more distant ownership model.
The acquisition cost approximately €2 million according to Spanish outlet La Razón, but the commercial impact has been immediate and dramatic. Cornellà's Instagram following jumped from 40,000 to over 700,000 in the days following the announcement — surpassing top-flight neighbours Espanyol in the process.
The club has a genuine record of developing elite talent. Jordi Alba, David Raya, Gerard Martín, Javi Puado, and Keita Baldé all came through the Cornellà academy system, and the ground sits directly alongside Espanyol's stadium — a geographical quirk that has long defined the club's identity as a development hub operating in the shadow of bigger names.
Messi's stated objective is progressive and sustainable growth — a long-term vision built on youth development and local roots rather than rapid commercial ambition. For a club with 1,100 players across 15 youth teams, the backing of the most decorated footballer in history represents an extraordinary shift in what is possible.