Lionel Messi Acquires Spanish Second Division Club Eldense

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has officially purchased the Spanish second division team Eldense, marking his first professional club acquisition in Spain. This move expands Messi's football business ventures beyond his playing career.

Details of the Acquisition

The takeover was confirmed by Eldense on Thursday, highlighting a significant step for the 39-year-old football legend. The Alicante-based club was previously owned by Colombian investment group Grupo TH, which holds stakes in several clubs across Colombia and Switzerland. This marks the third ownership change for Eldense within the last year.

The deal still requires approval from Spain's National Sports Council (CSD). Once authorized, this will mark the start of a new chapter for the team competing in the Segunda División.

Significance of the Move

This purchase stands out because Eldense is Messi's first investment in a fully professional Spanish football club. Earlier this year, he acquired fifth-division side Cornella, but that team remains semi-professional.

"The arrival of one of the most significant figures in sports history into Spanish professional football as the owner of CD Eldense signals the beginning of a long-term project aimed at driving the club’s sporting, institutional, and social development," the club said.

Club Background and Ownership Challenges

Eldense was founded in 1921 and has mostly played outside the top two tiers of Spanish football. Their home ground, Estadio Nuevo Pepico Amat, holds 5,776 spectators and is located in Elda.

The team earned promotion to the second division in 2023 for the first time since 1964 but faced relegation in 2025 before returning again this summer. Messi also holds partial ownership in Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez.

Owning both Eldense and Cornella does not currently pose conflicts due to the three-tier gap between them. However, if Cornella moves up leagues, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) might prevent both clubs from competing in the same division under Messi's majority control.

Immediate Challenges and Future Plans

Eldense started their league campaign poorly, failing to win any of their first four games. This slump led to the dismissal of head coach Claudio Barragan earlier this week. The club is now without a manager while the ownership transition proceeds.

The next critical step involves gaining official clearance from the CSD to finalize the takeover. Meanwhile, the new leadership must act fast to appoint a new head coach and stabilize the team's performance.