With the Spanish promotion race reaching its dramatic conclusion, the two longtime teammates now find themselves connected to rival projects chasing the same dream. The bond between Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba defined an era of soccer brilliance, from unforgettable nights in Barcelona to silverware in Miami. Yet, with the Spanish promotion race reaching its dramatic conclusion, the two longtime teammates now find themselves connected to rival projects chasing the same dream. For nearly two decades, Messi and Alba shared the same side of the pitch rather than opposite ambitions. Their chemistry became legendary during their years together at Camp Nou, where Alba’s overlapping runs and Messi’s vision terrorized defenses across Europe. That partnership later continued at Inter Miami, where the duo helped guide the club to major success in MLS. Reports surrounding the pair highlighted how their understanding remained almost untouched by time, with Alba continuing to provide key assists for Messi well into his final season in 2025. Now, however, soccer has delivered an unexpected twist. Instead of combining for trophies together like they once did, the two icons are indirectly competing in the tense race for promotion from Spain’s fifth tier. Lionel Messi #10 and Jordi Alba #18 of Inter Miami CF warm up. Messi’s new chapter as club owner Messi’s involvement in Spanish soccer became clearer in April 2026 when it emerged that the Argentine had officially acquired Cornella. The Catalan side, known for developing local talent, suddenly became one of the most talked-about clubs outside Spain’s top divisions. “UE Cornella announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Leo Messi has formalized the acquisition of the club, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat institution,” the club announced in an official statement. The statement continued: “Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth.” Leo Messi interacts with UE Cornella players and staff after taking over the club early this month 💚 pic.twitter.com/0kPHWYwBmG— We Are Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) April 30, 2026 Messi quickly embraced the project publicly, sending a message directly to the players and coaching staff. “I wanted to say hello and tell you that we are here, to grow and to help in whatever way is needed. We are very excited about this new project,” he said. The Argentine legend has reportedly followed the team closely during the promotion push, even posting messages of support before crucial matches. His arrival immediately transformed the visibility of the Catalan side and intensified expectations around its future. Jordi Alba’s emotional return home While Messi began building a new soccer project through ownership, Alba returned to his roots with L’Hospitalet. The now-retired Spanish defender became a key investor and strategic advisor at the club from his hometown, alongside former teammate Thiago Alcantara. 🗣 Afició, @JordiAlba té una cosa a dir-vos!🗣 Afición, @JordiAlba tiene algo que deciros!🗣 Supporters, Jordi Alba has something to tell you!#AraÉsElMoment #CELH2526 pic.twitter.com/ltHzLGIdAE— CE L'Hospitalet (@CELHospitalet) August 29, 2025 Alba’s emotional connection to the project has been clear from the beginning. During the club’s presentation event, he reportedly spoke about his desire to help the local side grow and fight its way back toward higher divisions in Spanish soccer. The project quickly gained attention because of the ambition behind it. Former players, local businessmen, and soccer figures united around the idea of restoring L’Hospitalet’s reputation within Catalonia’s soccer scene. That ambition has become very real during the current campaign. The promotion race reaches boiling point With four matches remaining in the season, the standings show just how dramatic the battle has become. Manresa currently leads the table with 63 points,
Lionel Messi sent a video to the UE Cornellà players, the club he just purchased. Lionel Messi puts all his passion into the sport when he’s on the field. However, he has also found a way to share his knowledge with players at a lower level with the recent purchase of Unió Esportiva Cornellà. With the recent news of his involvement in the smaller club, his first message to the team did not take too long to come. The manager gathered the players in a room to play the video sent by Messi to support them. Messi said: “I just want to introduce myself and salute you. We are here to grow, to help you with whatever you need. We are very excited about this new project. I’m following and supporting you every weekend.” Details about UE Cornellà The bond between Messi and Barcelona can’t be denied. This was just another step in his contribution to the city in which he spent most of his years. UE Cornellà are a semi-professional club from Catalonia that is now trying to take a leap. The club was founded in 1951 (David Ramos/Getty Images) This club is not near the sphere that most people are used to in Spain, but it has a long tradition of being a formative place for local talents. There are some really meaningful examples like Jordi Alba, David Raya, Gerard Martín or Keita Baldé. UE Cornellà confirmed the purchase earlier this month, while Fabrizio Romano reported that Messi made the move for the entirety of the fifth-division club. With this investment, the lower Spanish league should have a motivation when they see this club. Another purchase was rumored There were some rumors in Spain around Messi’s potential purchase of another club before he chose UE Cornellà. This was also a small club called Terrassa FC, which denied the information. The statement said: “We categorically deny the truthfulness of its content. We have never been in contact with Messi, nor with any intermediary claiming to act on his behalf. We love this club and would never allow our pride to prevent its growth under new ownership.”
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