Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Thursday, April 16, 2026, 7:21 p.m. / Updated Thursday, April 16, 2026, 7:24 p.m.
Lionel Messi (38 years old) formalized the acquisition of the UE club Cornella, a team that operates in the fifth division of Spanish football. The aim is to develop local talent in Catalonia. The news was confirmed by an official statement issued on Thursday.
Through this operation, the footballer who won the Ballon d'Or 8 times became the new owner of the club from Baix Llobregat, strengthening his connection with Barcelona, the city where he stood out in the blaugrana shirt.
Lionel Messi has acquired the UE club Cornella
The release emphasizes that, through this acquisition, “Messi reinforces his close relationship with Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia“.
Founded in 1951, Cornella is recognized as one of the strongest training academies in Catalonia. The club has already produced numerous players who have reached the elite of football, such as David Raya (Arsenal), Jordi Alba (ex-Inter Miami), Gerard Martín (Barcelona), Javi Puado (RCD Espanyol), Keita Balde and Aitor Rubial (Betis).
Lionel Messi has acquired the UE club Cornella // photo: Fabrizio Romano
Messi's project for Cornella envisages a long-term vision, with a strategic plan aimed at sporting and institutional growth, combining “ambition, sustainability and roots”, as the Spaniards write. The Argentine's commitment to youth football had already been demonstrated by the creation of the Messi Cup, an U16 tournament held in Miami.
Messi is not the first former Barcelona player to invest in a football club. Gerard Pique purchased FC Andorra in 2019 through his Kosmos business group, leading the club to a remarkable rise to the Spanish second division.
Also, Jordi Alba, together with Thiago Alcântara and other investors, purchased the L'Hospitalet club. Interestingly, L'Hospitalet currently compete in the same division as Cornella, the Tercera Federación, both fighting for promotion.
Two days ago, John Terry, the legend of Chelsea, joined the race for the purchase of the Colchester United club, from League 4 of England. David Beckham is the most famous ex-footballer to own a club. It is about Inter Miami, from the MLS, the very team that Lionel Messi plays for.
