Footballing icon Lionel Messi has completed the full acquisition of Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornellà – a club based in Catalonia where Messi spent 21 years as an FC Barcelona player
UE Cornellà, the fifth-tier Spanish football side based in Barcelona, was acquired by footballing legend Lionel Messi on 16 April 2026, though financial terms were not disclosed.
The club described the deal as “the beginning of a new chapter”, guided by a long-term vision combining sporting ambition, sustainability and a strong connection to its local roots.
The move marks a significant return to Catalonia for Messi, who spent the defining years of his career at FC Barcelona between 2004 and 2021 before departing for Paris Saint-Germain and, ultimately, Inter Miami.
Founded in 1951, UE Cornellà has built a reputation as one of Spanish football’s most productive development clubs, consistently producing players who have gone on to compete at the highest levels of the domestic and international game.
UE Cornellà’s recent history has been one of sharp decline following a memorable high. The club were competing in the third tier of Spanish football as recently as 2021, when they pushed Barcelona to extra time in the Copa del Rey before eventually losing 2-0.
However, back-to-back relegations in 2023-24 and 2024-25 have since dropped the club into the fifth tier. Messi’s arrival comes as the club look to rebuild and push for promotion back into Spain’s fourth tier.
Notable alumni include Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Messi’s former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba, current Barça first-team defender Gerard Martín, Espanyol captain and Spain international Javi Puado, Real Betis captain Aitor Ruibal, Major League Soccer (MLS) champion and two-time All-Star Ilie Sánchez, and Senegal international Keita Baldé, who has played across several of Europe’s top leagues.
The first team has often shared a division with Barcelona’s B side, and Messi himself featured for Barça’s C team in a goalless draw against Cornellà back in 2004.
Messi’s mission to develop youth talent
This pipeline of talent is understood to sit at the heart of Messi’s rationale for acquiring the club. Messi’s ownership project, as outlined in the club’s official statement, prioritises youth development and structural growth over short-term results – a philosophy which aligns naturally with what Cornellà has long been known for.
This is not the first time Messi has acted on his desire to foster youth talent. The first Messi Cup was held last December (2025) in Miami, which featured 8 of the world’s leading under-16 sides. These included Newell’s Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Inter Miami, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, Manchester City, and FC Barcelona.
The acquisition furthers Messi’s involvement in multi-club ownership, alongside several other elite players. Long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 25% stake in Spainish second-division side UD Almeria in February 2026, while former Barcelona teammate Gerard Piqué owns second-division Andorra FC.
For Messi, Cornellà represents his third football venture – he previously co-founded Uruguayan side Deportivo alongside Luis Suárez, and holds an investment in Argentine club Leones FC. UE Cornellà is, however, his first full acquisition of a European club.
