Lionel Messi has completed the purchase of UE Cornella, a fifth-tier Spanish football club, acquiring a 100 percent ownership stake in the Catalan side. The move represents the 38-year-old Argentine’s first major step into club ownership as he continues his playing career with Inter Miami in the United States.
UE Cornella, founded in 1951 and situated just a few miles from Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou, currently competes in the Tercera Federación — the fifth tier of Spanish football. The club is presently third in their group and pushing for promotion. According to reports, UE Cornella confirmed that the takeover signals the beginning of a new era for the club, with an emphasis on long-term growth, sustainability, and the continued development of young talent.
The acquisition strengthens Messi’s ties to Catalonia, a region he is closely associated with following his storied career at FC Barcelona. While a return to the pitch in Barcelona is considered unlikely, the investment ensures his influence in Catalan football endures — this time from an administrative role rather than as a player.
UE Cornella has a noted history of producing and developing talent. Former Arsenal and Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and veteran defender Jordi Alba, who himself currently plays alongside Messi at Inter Miami, are among the notable players to have come through the club’s ranks.
Messi’s move into ownership follows a similar step taken by his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently acquired a 25 percent stake in UD Almeria, a club competing in Spain’s second division. The parallel moves by two of football’s most decorated players reflect a broader trend of elite footballers transitioning into club ownership as they plan for life after playing.
Messi remains contracted to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami until 2028, meaning his involvement with UE Cornella will, for now, be conducted from a distance. The investment nonetheless offers a clear indication of his post-playing ambitions and the direction he intends to take once his active career concludes.
Founded over seven decades ago, UE Cornella has operated largely outside the spotlight of top-flight Spanish football. Messi’s acquisition is likely to raise the club’s profile considerably, both domestically and internationally, given the global recognition attached to his name. The extent of any structural or operational changes at the club under his ownership has not yet been detailed publicly.
