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Lionel Messi shook the football world once again last Thursday. This time, however, it was not his goals that were the protagonists. The Argentine star announced the purchase of UE Cornella, a team that plays in the Tercera RFEF and is fighting to enter the promotion play-offs.
The news spread like wildfire and generated enormous surprise and expectation. In just 24 hours, the club quintupled its number of followers on social networks, going from 40,000 to 200,000. In addition, it received requests from more than a hundred international journalists. This is another example of Messi’s global impact, which now focuses on Cornella.
Control from now
The big question is what will happen from now on. The Argentine intends to gradually take control of the club from now on, although without causing abrupt changes. The continuity of the workers is one of his priorities. However, over time he will incorporate people he trusts into key positions, while at the same time promoting greater professionalism in all areas of the club.
Commitment to grassroots football
One of the pillars of his project will be grassroots football. Messi is aware that this is one of Cornellà’s great strengths, a youth academy from which numerous elite footballers have emerged, such as Gerard Martin, Barcelona’s current central defender. His commitment is clear: to strengthen the training of young talent, an area he is passionate about and in which he has already shown involvement through initiatives such as the Messi Cup, held last December.
Ambition
The development of youth soccer will have an impact on the first team, although without setting great demands in the short term. The philosophy is that growth should come naturally: strengthen the base and allow the first team to progress as far as its performance allows. Messi, however, will provide the financial resources needed to sustain the project. His ambition, one of his hallmarks as a footballer, will also mark this new stage as an owner.
Contract in Miami
His landing will be gradual. Currently linked to Inter Miami, with two and a half years left on his contract, and with an eye on the next World Cup, the Argentine will not be able to be involved in the day-to-day running of the club. Even so, he will keep a constant watch from the United States and will take every opportunity to be present at Cornella.
Euphoria
In the dressing room, the news was received with enthusiasm. Players and coaching staff found out on Thursday and were quick to share their surprise. "Now everyone is going to be watching us," they said. A morale boost that could be transferred to the pitch at a key moment in the season, with the promotion play-offs on the horizon.
