Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is set to expand his football ownership portfolio after reaching an agreement in principle to acquire Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense.
Reports from Spain indicate that Messi has agreed to purchase the club’s shares from Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., which took control of Eldense in October 2025. The proposed transaction would give the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner full ownership of the club.
The takeover is yet to be formally completed, as the parties must conclude legal and contractual procedures, an audit and obtain approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports.
Eldense, based in Elda in Alicante, currently competes in Spain’s second division, known as LaLiga Hypermotion. The club returned to the second tier after spending decades in the lower divisions and has struggled at the start of the current campaign.
The club recently dismissed manager Claudio Barragán following a poor start to the season. Eldense had collected only two points from its opening four matches, leaving the team searching for its first victory of the campaign.
If completed, the acquisition would mark Messi’s first ownership of a professional football club in Spain. He had already entered Spanish club ownership earlier in 2026 after acquiring 100 per cent of Catalan side UE Cornellà, which competes in the lower divisions.
Messi’s proposed purchase of Eldense is reportedly being pursued personally, without the involvement of former Barcelona teammates Andrés Iniesta or Carles Puyol, whose names had previously been linked to possible interest in the club.
The potential takeover represents another step in Messi’s growing involvement in football beyond his playing career. The Argentine remains an active player with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer while building interests in club ownership and other football-related ventures.
Eldense officials and local authorities have welcomed the prospect of Messi becoming involved with the club, with the potential takeover expected to bring significant international attention to the team and the city of Elda.
However, the deal will not be considered complete until the remaining regulatory and contractual requirements are fulfilled and the necessary approval is obtained.
