Messi Reaches Preliminary Deal to Acquire Spanish Club Eldense

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to take over Spanish second-tier club Eldense, according to reports, potentially expanding the football superstar’s growing portfolio of investments in the sport.

The proposed takeover is not yet final, as the transaction remains subject to due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council. ESPN reported on Tuesday that a source familiar with the deal confirmed that the parties had reached an initial agreement.

Eldense are currently owned by Colombian investment group Grupo TH, which has football interests in several countries, including Colombia and Switzerland.

If the deal is completed, Messi would become the majority owner of a professional football club in Spain.

The proposed acquisition would add to Messi’s growing involvement in football ownership.

In April 2026, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acquired Cornella, a Barcelona-based fifth-tier club. Cornella, however, operate at a semi-professional level, making Eldense his first potential investment in Spain’s professional football system.

Messi is also partially involved in Uruguayan football through Deportivo LSM, where he has a stake alongside his former Barcelona and current Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez.

The potential ownership of both Eldense and Cornella could eventually present regulatory challenges if the two clubs rise through the Spanish football pyramid.

The clubs are currently separated by three divisions, meaning there is no immediate conflict.

However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation could prevent both teams from competing in the same division if Messi becomes the majority shareholder of both clubs.

Eldense, founded in 1921, have spent most of their history outside Spain’s top two divisions.

The club returned to the second tier in 2023 for the first time in nearly six decades, having last played there in 1964.

Their return was short-lived, however, as they were relegated in 2025. The club secured promotion back to the second tier this summer and are now attempting to establish themselves at the professional level once again.

The start of the current season has been difficult for Eldense. They have failed to win any of their first four matches, a poor run that led to the departure of head coach Claudio Barragán earlier this week.

The club are currently without a permanent manager as they look to stabilise their campaign.

Eldense play their home games at the Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium in the city of Elda, which has a capacity of around 5,776 spectators.

For Eldense, a completed takeover by Messi could significantly increase the club’s international profile and potentially provide greater access to investment and commercial opportunities.

It would also place the Spanish side under the ownership of one of the most recognisable figures in world football.

Messi’s move would further underline the growing trend of high-profile footballers becoming involved in club ownership and investment after or during their playing careers.

The Argentine superstar, who remains active at Inter Miami, is increasingly building interests beyond his role on the pitch.

The takeover, however, must first clear the required regulatory and financial checks before Messi can formally assume control of Eldense.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep