Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has agreed to purchase Spanish club Eldense, the Segunda División side confirmed Thursday, September 10.
Based in the city of Elda in Alicante province, Eldense would become the former Barcelona forward’s second Spanish football ownership project after he bought fifth-tier club Cornellà in April.
The 39-year-old currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States. He retired from international football this summer after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
“Eldense can confirm that Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement with the club’s current owners to acquire the shares currently held by TH Soluciones, which would make him the majority shareholder of Eldense,” the club told AFP.
“At this stage, the transaction remains pending completion of the final legal and contractual procedures, including the necessary due diligence process, as well as obtaining the required approval from the Spanish National Sports Council.”
The club added that it cannot currently disclose details of the deal’s financial terms or set a final completion date because the transaction has not yet been completed.
Founded in 1921, Eldense said, “Once the relevant procedures have been completed and the necessary approvals obtained, Eldense will officially announce any developments on the matter.”
