Messi agrees in principle to buy Spanish Club Eldense

Lionel Messi is set to expand his influence beyond the pitch after reaching an agreement in principle to acquire Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, according to reports from Spain.

The proposed takeover would see the Argentina and Inter Miami star acquire the shares currently held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones, which took control of Eldense in October 2025.

The transaction, however, is yet to be completed and remains subject to legal and contractual procedures, including approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports.

The move would represent another significant step in Messi’s growing involvement in football ownership.

Earlier this year, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acquired Spanish fifth-tier club UE Cornellà, giving him an initial foothold in the country’s football structure.

The Eldense agreement would take that involvement to the professional level.

Founded in 1921, Eldense is one of the historic clubs of the Valencian Community and is based in Elda, Alicante.

The club first reached Spain’s second division in the 1950s before spending decades moving between the lower tiers.

Eldense’s recent history has been particularly remarkable.

Following a restructuring of Spain’s football pyramid, the club began a rapid rise through the divisions, securing three consecutive promotions between 2021 and 2023.

In 2023, Eldense returned to the second tier for the first time in nearly six decades.

The club has also experienced difficult periods.

In 2017, Eldense was at the centre of a match-fixing investigation following a 12-0 defeat by Barcelona B, leading to arrests and a major upheaval at the club.

Despite the setback, Eldense rebuilt and eventually returned to professional football.

Messi’s potential takeover places him among a growing number of high-profile footballers who have moved into club ownership.

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo Nazário became majority owner of Real Valladolid in 2018 before later investing in Brazilian club Cruzeiro.

Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué acquired Spanish club FC Andorra in 2018 through his Kosmos group.

Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappé completed a takeover of French club SM Caen, while Cristiano Ronaldo joined the ownership trend in Spain after acquiring a 25% stake in Almería in 2026.

Luka Modrić has also invested in Welsh club Swansea City.

Messi’s proposed Eldense takeover therefore adds another chapter to the growing relationship between football’s biggest stars and club ownership.

If completed, the deal would give Messi control of a historic Spanish club and potentially provide Eldense with an international profile far beyond Elda.