Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division club Eldense, adding another professional team to his growing football investment portfolio.
Eldense confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Messi for the acquisition of shares currently owned by Grupo TH Soluciones. The deal, however, remains subject to legal procedures, due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council.
If completed, Eldense will become the second Spanish club in which Messi has invested after he bought fifth-tier side Cornellà in April.
Messi expands football ownership portfolio
The 39-year-old Argentine remained involved in football ownership alongside his playing career with Inter Miami.
His investment in Eldense would represent a significant step up from Cornellà , with the Alicante-based club competing in La Liga 2, Spain’s second tier.
Eldense have endured a difficult start to the season, collecting just two points from their opening four matches. The club currently sit 20th in the division and recently parted ways with head coach Claudio Barragán.
Messi’s connection with Spanish football stretches back more than two decades. He moved to Spain from Argentina at the age of 13 before joining Barcelona’s academy and making his first-team debut in 2004.
He eventually became Barcelona’s record goalscorer, scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. He later moved to Inter Miami in 2023.
Messi follows Ronaldo into Spanish football ownership
Messi is not the only global football superstar investing in Spanish football.
His former rival Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 25% stake in AlmerÃa in February, adding another major name to the growing group of footballers moving into club ownership.
For Messi, the Eldense takeover would provide an opportunity to build another project in Spain while remaining active in football.
The transaction will only become official once the outstanding legal procedures are completed and the required approval is granted by the CSD.
