Lionel Messi makes major move into women’s soccer

Lionel Messi is making a significant move into women’s soccer as part of his ambitious new project at UE Cornellà in Spain.

The Inter Miami star’s vision goes beyond strengthening the Catalan club, which currently competes in Spain’s Tercera Federación, the fourth tier of Spanish football. According to Catalunya Radio, Messi is actively working on creating a fully independent women’s soccer section within the club’s structure.

A new women’s soccer project at UE Cornellà

Messi recently acquired the club, and while attention has focused on the overall sporting project, his first major move is expected to center on women’s soccer.

Until now, the club’s only women’s setup has been integrated into the UE Cornellà foundation system, which is closely linked to the club’s youth development structure. Messi’s plan is to establish a standalone women’s team fully owned and operated by UE Cornellà itself.

Starting from the ground up in regional competition

The goal is for the new team to begin competing as early as next season in Segunda Catalana, one of the lower tiers of Spanish women’s soccer.

From there, the project would grow step by step, with long-term ambitions of climbing into Spain’s top divisions. Recruitment efforts are already underway, with the club identifying young players from across the region who could form the foundation of the squad.

The team would begin as an amateur setup, built primarily around youth players, as part of a carefully structured long-term development plan.

Long-term vision and investment

UE Cornellà is expected to commit significant resources to facilities, staffing, and squad development, with the aim of turning the women’s team into leading club in Spanish soccer.

Messi himself is said to be highly involved in the project, regularly meeting with club officials via video calls to stay updated on progress and planning.

While it remains a long road to reach Spain’s top level, the intention is clear: build sustainably, grow steadily, and eventually establish UE Cornellà as a competitive force in women’s soccer.

For now, the team is starting at the very bottom of the pyramid. But with Messi’s backing, the long-term ambition is to climb all the way to the top of the Spanish game.

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