Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to acquire Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, marking another major step into football ownership for the Argentina legend.
Eldense confirmed on Wednesday that Messi is close to completing a deal to purchase 100% of the shares currently held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S. The transaction is still subject to final legal and contractual procedures, due diligence and approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward is already involved in Spanish football ownership after acquiring fifth-tier club UE Cornellà earlier this year. A completed Eldense takeover would give Messi control of a club competing in Spain’s professional second division.
Eldense, based in Elda in Alicante province, currently sits near the bottom of the Segunda División standings. The club was taken over by TH Soluciones Group last year after spending several seasons working its way back up Spain’s football pyramid.
Messi’s proposed investment comes as he continues to build interests beyond his playing career. He is also expected to receive a stake in Inter Miami after his current playing contract with the MLS club expires.
However, the ownership change would not automatically allow Messi to spend heavily on new players. Spanish football operates under strict financial and salary-limit regulations, meaning Eldense’s recruitment would remain subject to league rules.
Messi’s move places him among a growing group of high-profile football figures investing in clubs. Former Barcelona teammate Gerard Piqué owns second-tier Spanish club Andorra, while other prominent players have also taken stakes in teams across Europe.
The Eldense deal is expected to be completed in the coming days if the remaining legal requirements and regulatory approval are secured, potentially giving Messi his second club ownership in Spain within the same year.