Three Barcelona icons who made the same ownership move as Lionel Messi | OneFootball

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has taken a significant step into football ownership by acquiring Spanish fifth-division side UE Cornella. 

While still actively playing for Inter Miami and representing Argentina national team, Messi is now shaping the future of a club rooted in youth development.

This Catalonia-based side has built a strong reputation over the years for nurturing talent, having played a role in the development of players like Jordi Alba and Gerard Martin. 

Alba, in particular, spent formative years at Cornella before sealing his move to Barcelona back in 2012, a transfer that would eventually see him become one of the club’s most iconic full-backs.

By stepping into ownership while still playing at the highest level, Messi is positioning himself as a long-term stakeholder in football’s ecosystem. 

Notably, this marks his first independent venture in club ownership, following his earlier collaboration with Luis Suarez in launching Deportivo LSM in Uruguay.

However, Messi is far from the first Barcelona icon to explore this path. 

In fact, several former Blaugrana stars have already paved the way, turning their footballing vision into tangible club projects.

Gerard Pique’s Andorra revolution

Gerard Pique owns FC Andorra. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images For Sportel)

One of the most prominent examples is Gerard Pique, who moved early into football ownership through his company Kosmos. 

In 2018, Pique acquired FC Andorra and wasted no time implementing his vision.

The impact was immediate, as within just half a season, the club achieved promotion to the Third Division. 

That same summer, they accelerated their climb through Spanish football.

Under the guidance of coach Eder Sarabia, Andorra eventually reached the Segunda Division. 

While they have since experienced ups and downs, the club remains competitive in Liga Hypermotion and is widely recognised for its Barça-inspired philosophy, prioritising possession-based football and technical development.

Pique’s project stands as a blueprint for modern football ownership, blending business strategy with a clear sporting identity.

Jordi Alba and Thiago’s vision at Hospitalet

Thiago and Jordi Alba are shareholders in CE L’Hospitalet. (Photo by Manu Fernandez/Pool via Getty Images)

Interestingly, Cornella now shares its division with CE L’Hospitalet, another club backed by former Barcelona stars. 

Both Jordi Alba and Thiago Alcantara are shareholders in the historic Catalan side, commonly known as ‘Hospi’.

Their involvement goes beyond financial investment as they are committed to restoring the club’s stature. 

Upon joining the project, their ambition was to “restore the club to the place it deserves, at the very top of professional football.”

Since stepping away from top-level football, Alba has frequently been seen attending matches in person, maintaining a close connection with the club. 

Meanwhile, Thiago’s appearances have been more sporadic, largely due to his commitments within FC Barcelona’s coaching structure under Hansi Flick.

Ronaldo’s ambitious but turbulent Valladolid spell

Another notable case is that of Ronaldo Nazario, who took control of Real Valladolid in 2018 by purchasing a 51% stake for €30 million.

Ronaldo’s Valladolid tenure was horrific. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Ronaldo’s arrival brought optimism and bold promises. 

In his first season, Valladolid managed to secure La Liga survival, and the Brazilian icon made an ambitious declaration about the club’s future ambitions.

With clear intent, he stated, “Within five seasons, the aim would be to compete for Champions League places.”

However, the reality proved more complicated. His tenure was marked by instability, with Valladolid experiencing two promotions and three relegations. 

Despite the fluctuations, Ronaldo eventually sold the club at the end of the 2024/25 season, while they were in the second tier, for €50 million to an investment fund.