Messi vs. Cristiano: A New Showdown… in Spain?
The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of those timeless debates that transcends generations. The discussion over who is the greatest has defined an era and will remain part of football’s vocabulary for many years to come. Now, it appears a new “showdown” could take place in Spanish football—albeit in a different way.
A Battle from the Boardroom
This time, it wouldn’t happen on the pitch, but off it. As has been reported, Lionel Messi has acquired Cornellà, a club currently competing in Spain’s Tercera Federación. The Argentine, now the 100% owner of the institution, aims to build a long-term project with the goal of taking the team all the way to LaLiga, staying connected to football from a new perspective.
That’s where the possibility of a new clash with Cristiano Ronaldo emerges, as he owns 25% of Almería, a club currently playing in Spain’s Segunda División.
A Possible Future Encounter
The plan for Cornellà, backed by Lionel Messi, is to climb the ranks in pursuit of a historic promotion to the top flight—something the club has never achieved. Along that path, it could eventually meet the team linked to Cristiano Ronaldo, although that scenario still seems distant.
For that to happen, Cornellà would first need to earn promotion to the Segunda Federación, then the Primera Federación, before competing for a spot in the Segunda División, where Almería currently plays. This, of course, depends on whether the club associated with Cristiano Ronaldo manages to get promoted to LaLiga—or, conversely, gets relegated during that same period.
Copa del Rey: The Most Immediate Route
Another, more immediate possibility would be a clash in the Copa del Rey. In the Tercera Federación, the top teams from each group—excluding reserve sides—as well as the best second-place finishers qualify for the tournament. At the moment, Cornellà sits in third place, putting it in contention for a spot.
As for Almería, all Segunda División clubs take part in the Copa. If Lionel Messi’s club qualifies and the draw goes their way, we could see both sides face off in the early rounds of the competition next season.
Could this be a new chapter in football’s most iconic rivalry—even if it unfolds off the pitch?
