The short version
- Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to buy majority shares in La Liga 2 side Eldense.
- This marks Messi's second Spanish club investment, following his acquisition of Cornella earlier this year.
- The deal is subject to legal procedures and approval from the Spanish National Sports Council.
Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder of Eldense, a second-division football club in Spain. The announcement confirms the Argentine star’s continued involvement in European football ownership, marking his second investment in a Spanish club this year. Eldense stated that the transaction involves acquiring shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would establish Messi as the controlling owner pending final legal and contractual approvals.
The deal is subject to due diligence processes and requires authorization from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD). Eldense, based in Alicante, has struggled this season, sitting 20th in La Liga 2 with only two points from four games. The club recently parted ways with head coach Claudio Barragan, suggesting that Messi’s entry may bring significant changes to the team’s management and direction as it fights to avoid relegation.
This acquisition follows Messi’s purchase of Cornella, a fifth-tier Catalan side, in April 2026. At the time, Cornella described Messi’s ownership as a reinforcement of his ties to Barcelona and a commitment to developing local talent in Catalonia. The former Barcelona forward left Argentina for Spain at age 13 and made his debut for Barcelona in 2004, going on to score 672 goals in 778 games before departing for Paris St-Germain in 2021.
Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and recently retired from international football after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The 39-year-old described his retirement as a decision driven by having 'nothing left to give' after leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022. His move into club ownership represents a new chapter in his post-playing career, allowing him to remain engaged with the sport through administrative and financial roles.
The trend of high-profile footballers investing in clubs has gained momentum in recent years. Messi’s rival Cristiano Ronaldo purchased a 25% stake in Spanish side Almeria in February, highlighting how former stars are leveraging their wealth and influence to shape club operations. Messi’s dual investments in Spain underscore his enduring connection to the country where he spent the formative years of his career.
Eldense’s statement emphasized that the transaction is still in progress, with no immediate changes expected until all regulatory hurdles are cleared. The Spanish football landscape has seen increased interest from external investors, and Messi’s involvement could attract further attention to the club. However, the financial stability and competitive performance of Eldense remain uncertain given their current standing near the bottom of the table.
For Messi, these investments may serve as a way to maintain his presence in European football while balancing his commitments in the United States. His ownership roles do not appear to interfere with his playing duties at Inter Miami, but they do signal a strategic shift toward long-term engagement with the sport’s business side. The success of these ventures will depend on how effectively Messi and his partners can stabilize and improve the clubs’ performances.
The preliminary agreement for Eldense has been met with interest from fans and analysts alike, who view it as a testament to Messi’s global influence beyond the pitch. As the legal processes unfold, the focus will shift to whether Messi’s leadership can turn around Eldense’s fortunes in La Liga 2. The outcome of this investment could set a precedent for how former players transition into ownership roles in European football.
With the World Cup concluded and his international career behind him, Messi’s activities are increasingly centered on club-level initiatives. The acquisition of Eldense shares adds another layer to his legacy, extending his impact from on-field achievements to off-field stewardship. As the deal moves toward completion, all eyes will be on how this new chapter unfolds for both the player and the clubs he now helps to own.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Messi agrees to buy second Spanish club
- ESPN↗Source: Lionel Messi agrees to buy second club in Spain
