Messi nears deal to buy Spanish second-tier club Eldense

Lionel Messi is close to completing a deal to buy Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, according to a report by Reuters and Spanish news agency EFE, adding to a growing portfolio of football ownership interests as the 39-year-old approaches the later stages of his playing career.bloomberg+1

Messi has agreed in principle to acquire all shares held by majority owner TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., a Colombian investment group that took control of Eldense in October 2025. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, pending due diligence and approval from Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD).channelnewsasia+1

A Second Spanish Club

The Eldense deal would mark Messi's second club acquisition in Spain this year. He purchased fifth-tier side UE Cornellà on April 16, but Eldense would represent his first ownership of a fully professional club in the country. He is also expected to receive an ownership stake in Inter Miami once his playing contract with the MLS club ends.economictimes.indiatimes+2

Bloomberg reported that Messi plans to buy a majority stake in Eldense, citing EFE's sources close to the deal. Multiple Spanish reports indicate Messi's entry shifted negotiations away from a rival €12 million bid from Argentine investor Ricardo Pini.businesstimes-bd+1

A Club in Transition

Founded in 1921 and based in Elda, a town of about 55,000 people in Alicante province, Eldense have spent most of their history in Spain's lower divisions but have played in the second tier in three of the past four seasons following fresh investment. The club plays at the 5,776-capacity Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium and counts roughly 3,500 season-ticket holders.channelnewsasia+2

The acquisition comes at a turbulent moment for Eldense. The club sacked manager Claudio Barragán on Sunday after taking just two points from their opening four league matches, leaving them third from bottom in the table.businesstoday+1

Growing Football Empire

Messi, who recently retired from international duty with Argentina, has been steadily building a presence in football ownership. Beyond Eldense, Cornellà, and his expected Inter Miami stake, he has been linked to Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez. Given that Eldense and Cornellà compete in different divisions, Spanish football authorities are unlikely to raise immediate objections to Messi holding stakes in both clubs.businesstimes-bd

Elda's mayor expressed pride in Messi's interest in the club and the city while urging patience until the deal is finalized.businessupturn