Iconic rivalry continues off the pitch: 50 days after Ronaldo, Messi buys club in Spain

The competition between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has lasted for a decade and a half. The Portuguese and the Argentinian provided the world with the greatest individual rivalry in the history of football, while their fans measured and compared every bit of their stats: from goals and assists to titles, individual accolades, and, of course, Ballon d'Or awards, which the two have won 13 times.

Three years ago, when Cristiano joined Al-Nassr and Leo signed with Inter Miami, the hype around them had faded, as they weren't in the spotlight anymore. Some new heroes took their places, though their rivalry will remain unmatched for many years to come.

He's not just player anymore: CR7 becomes co-owner of Spanish second-tier team

It may have faded, but it hasn't completely died. Instead, it apparently continued off the pitch.

Namely, in the last days of February, La Liga 2 side Almeria announced that Ronaldo had purchased 25% of their shares, stepping into ownership.

Just 50 days later, Messi has become an owner himself, buying the Spanish third-tier club UE Cornella!

This Catalan club, founded in 1951, has spent most of its seasons in this century in the third and fourth divisions, but back-to-back relegations in the previous two campaigns saw them drop to the fifth flight.

The popular green-and-whites currently sit in third place in the fifth division, fighting for promotion.

Chaos around Messi – Mauritania players fought over his shirt

In the last couple of years, they became famous for knocking Atletico Madrid out of the Copa del Rey in 2021. In general, Cornella are well-known for their youth categories, which have produced some exceptional talents of Spanish football, such as the ex-Lazio and Inter Milan forward Keita Balde, the former and current Barcelona defenders, Gerard Martin and Jordi Alba, and Arsenal custodian David Raya.

Aside from strengthening his relations with Catalonia, his second home, the Argentinian's ambitions are undoubtedly to move Cornella up the Spanish football hierarchy.

So, who knows, perhaps one day, we'll watch another duel between Ronaldo and Messi, this time as the two proud owners. Who wouldn't want to see that?