Argentinian star Lionel Messi, forward for Inter Miami, has received approval from the Spanish National Sports Council to purchase the Cornella club, which competes in the Spanish third division.

The official approval was granted last Thursday, just three days after the acquisition request was submitted on Monday, marking an important step for Messi in his off-field career.

According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," the operation involves Messi acquiring 85.05% of the club's capital, making him the largest shareholder in the club.

After obtaining government approval and in accordance with the Sports Law, the club's management will have a three-month period to complete all necessary procedures, until July 23, to officially finalize the purchase.

During this period, it was theoretically possible for Messi to play with Cornellà if he did not participate with Inter Miami in the MLS, but that will not be possible after the deal is completed.

This is due to what is known as the Anti-Piqué Law within the Spanish sports regulations, which stipulates that active athletes are not allowed to have any direct or indirect financial interests in the competitions they participate in.

This clause includes all sports, not just football, with the aim of ensuring transparency in the management of sports activities.

Thus, Messi will not be able to combine being an owner of the Cornella club and participating as a player, even if he leaves Inter Miami in the future, limiting his role to ownership only.