Lionel Messi completes takeover of Spanish club Eldense

Yesterday 14:15

By: Azzat Manal

Lionel Messi completes takeover of Spanish club Eldense

Lionel Messi has officially completed the acquisition of Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, marking his second investment in a Spanish football team this year and his first ownership venture involving a professional club.

Eldense confirmed the takeover on Thursday, describing Messi's arrival as the beginning of a long-term project focused on strengthening the club's sporting, institutional and social development. The transaction remains subject to the required regulatory approval from Spain's Higher Sports Council.

The 39-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami forward acquired the shares previously held by the Colombian investment group TH, which had been Eldense's majority shareholder. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition follows Messi's purchase of UE Cornellà in April. The Catalan club competes in Spain's lower divisions, making Eldense the first professional Spanish team to come under Messi's ownership. Messi is also a co-owner of Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez.

Founded in 1921 and based in Elda, in Alicante province, Eldense has spent most of its history outside Spain's top two divisions. The club returned to the Segunda Division in 2023 for the first time since 1964, was relegated in 2025 and secured a return to the second tier the following summer.

Messi's arrival comes as Eldense faces a difficult start to the current campaign. The club has struggled for results and sits near the bottom of the Segunda Division standings, increasing the importance of its sporting project as the new ownership takes charge. Reuters reported that Eldense had four defeats in its first seven league matches.

The Argentine star's investment also comes with regulatory constraints. Spanish sports legislation imposes limits on multiple ownership interests in football clubs, meaning the authorities' approval remains an important step before the takeover can be fully formalised.

For Messi, the acquisition expands his activities in football beyond his playing career and gives him a growing presence in the Spanish game, where he spent the majority of his professional career with Barcelona. For Eldense, the change in ownership opens a new chapter as the club seeks to strengthen its position in professional football while maintaining its local identity and history.