Lionel Messi is reportedly set to take another major step into football club ownership, with the Argentina star reaching an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense.
According to reports, Messi will acquire the entire shareholding of the Alicante-based club without partners or other third-party investors. The deal is yet to be completed and remains subject to financial due diligence, legal formalities and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council.
Eldense currently competes in LaLiga 2, Spain’s second division. The club returned to the second tier for the 2026–27 season after winning its Primera Federación group in May.
The proposed takeover would be Messi’s second football investment in Spain this year. In April, he acquired 100% of UE Cornellà, a Catalan club playing in Spain’s third tier.
The Eldense deal would represent a significantly larger move, bringing Messi into ownership of a professional second-tier club. It also fits into his broader interest in investing in football beyond his playing career.
The potential acquisition comes at a difficult moment for Eldense on the field. The club has collected two points from its opening four league matches and recently parted ways with manager Claudio Barragán.
If completed, the takeover would mark a major expansion of Messi’s football business portfolio and give the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner a direct role in the management and development of a professional Spanish club.
