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Lionel Messi is moving closer to an ambitious new chapter away from the pitch. The Inter Miami CF forward has reached a preliminary agreement to take over Spanish second-division club Eldense, according to ESPN.
The proposed deal is not yet complete. It remains subject to due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council, known as the CSD. If those conditions are satisfied, Eldense would become the second Spanish club owned by the Barcelona and Argentina legend.
Lionel Messi’s Stunning Eldense Takeover Plan
Eldense is currently owned by Grupo TH, a Colombian investment group with football interests in Colombia and Switzerland. The club, founded in 1921, has spent much of its history outside Spain’s top two divisions but has experienced a notable rise in recent seasons.
The team returned to the Spanish second tier this summer after being relegated in 2025. Eldense had previously earned promotion to the division in 2023, ending a long absence from the second level that dated back to 1964.
Despite its recent promotion, the club has endured a difficult start to the current campaign. Eldense has failed to win any of its first four matches, and coach Claudio Barragán was dismissed earlier this week. The club is currently without a manager as it navigates both sporting and ownership uncertainty.
From Cornellà to a Professional Spanish Club
The move would expand Messi’s growing football portfolio in Spain. Earlier this year, he was confirmed as the owner of Cornellà, a Barcelona-based fifth-division club. Cornellà remains semi-professional, meaning Eldense would represent Messi’s first investment in a professional Spanish football team.
The two clubs are separated by three divisions, so the ownership arrangement is unlikely to create immediate competitive concerns. However, the situation could become more complicated if Cornellà continues to climb the Spanish football pyramid.
Spanish football authorities would be unlikely to allow two clubs controlled by the same majority shareholder to compete in the same division. That could eventually influence Messi’s long-term plans for Cornellà, Eldense or both clubs.
- Eldense would become Messi’s second Spanish football investment.
- Cornellà is based in Barcelona and currently plays in the fifth tier.
- Eldense competes in Spain’s second division.
- The proposed takeover requires due diligence and CSD approval.
- Messi is also involved with Uruguay’s Deportivo LSM alongside Luis Suárez.
Why the Eldense Deal Could Be Historic
For Messi, the agreement offers a chance to shape a club’s future beyond his playing career. The four-time Champions League winner has already built a global business presence, but direct involvement in a professional European club would represent a significant step in his development as a football investor.
Eldense’s location in Elda and its modest Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium, which holds approximately 5,776 spectators, highlight the contrast between the club’s traditional profile and Messi’s worldwide influence. His involvement could attract new attention, commercial opportunities and interest from supporters around the world.
There are also sporting challenges ahead. Eldense needs stability after a winless opening to the season and the departure of Barragán. Any new ownership group would likely face immediate questions about the next manager, squad development and the club’s ambition in Spain’s demanding second tier.
Messi’s ownership interests already extend beyond Spain. He is partially involved with Deportivo LSM in Uruguay alongside former Barcelona and current Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez. The Eldense agreement would therefore add another international project to a growing football network.
What Happens Next for Lionel Messi and Eldense?
The next stage is expected to focus on financial and legal checks before the deal can be finalized. Spain’s National Sports Council must also approve the transaction. Until those steps are completed, the agreement remains preliminary rather than a completed takeover.
If approved, the deal would give Lionel Messi a direct stake in a professional Spanish club for the first time. It could also make Eldense one of the most closely watched teams in the country, regardless of its position in the league table.
For now, the club must concentrate on finding a new coach and ending its poor run of form. Messi, meanwhile, appears ready to build a lasting football legacy that reaches beyond his achievements as a player.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Spanish club is Lionel Messi planning to buy?
Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to take over Eldense, a club competing in Spain’s second division.
Has the Eldense takeover been completed?
No. The deal still requires due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council before it can be finalized.
Does Lionel Messi already own a Spanish club?
Yes. Messi was previously confirmed as the owner of Cornellà, a semi-professional fifth-division team based in Barcelona.
What other football club is Messi involved with?
Messi is also partially involved with Uruguay’s Deportivo LSM alongside his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez.
Why is the Eldense deal important?
Eldense would be Messi’s first professional Spanish club investment and could expand his influence in football ownership and club development.
