Lionel Messi Agrees to Buy Second Club in Spain
Lionel Messi is set to expand his growing football ownership portfolio after reaching an agreement in principle to take over Spanish second-division club CD Eldense.
The Argentine football legend is close to completing a deal to purchase 100% of the shares held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., which currently owns a majority stake in the club. The proposed takeover would make Eldense the second Spanish club owned by Messi.
The agreement was confirmed by Eldense, although the transaction is not yet complete. The club said the deal still needs to pass through final legal and contractual procedures, including due diligence and approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD).
Messi Expands Spanish Football Portfolio
Messi already became a club owner earlier this year when he acquired fifth-tier Spanish side UE Cornellà on April 16.
The Eldense deal would represent a significant step up in his involvement in Spanish football. Cornellà compete in the lower levels of the Spanish football system, while Eldense currently play in the Segunda Division, the country’s second tier.
That would make Eldense Messi’s first professional Spanish club investment.
The move also shows that Messi’s interests in football are extending beyond his playing career. At 39, the Inter Miami forward remains active on the field, but his growing involvement in club ownership suggests he is already building a future in the football business.
Eldense Takeover Still Needs Approval
Although reports suggest the takeover could be completed in the coming days, Eldense has not announced a specific completion date.
The club said the transaction remains subject to the completion of the required legal process. Approval from the CSD is also necessary before the ownership change can be finalized.
Messi is expected to acquire the shares currently held by TH Soluciones Group. The Colombian investment company took control of Eldense in October 2025 and helped oversee the club’s return to the second division.
The club currently sits 20th in the Segunda Division standings. Eldense have experienced significant changes in recent years after spending long periods outside Spain’s top two divisions.
Messi’s Growing Business Plans
The Eldense investment is another indication that Messi is preparing for life beyond his playing career.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still contracted to Inter Miami and remains one of the biggest stars in Major League Soccer. He is also expected to receive an ownership stake in Inter Miami after his playing contract ends.
That potential involvement could give Messi a direct role in football operations on both sides of the Atlantic.
His growing ownership portfolio also gives him an opportunity to develop young players and influence clubs outside the traditional spotlight.
What the Eldense Deal Means
Eldense could benefit from Messi’s global profile and commercial reach if the takeover is completed.
The club has spent much of its history outside Spain’s top two divisions, but its recent rise has provided a platform for further growth. Messi’s involvement could bring additional attention to the team and potentially create new opportunities for sponsorship, recruitment and youth development.
However, ownership of two Spanish clubs could also require careful management if the teams ever move closer together in Spain’s league structure.
For now, Cornellà and Eldense are separated by several divisions, so there is no immediate competitive conflict. However, Spanish football regulations could become important if both clubs eventually rise through the divisions.
A New Chapter for Messi
Messi’s potential Eldense takeover adds another fascinating chapter to the career of one of football’s greatest players.
His achievements on the pitch include World Cup glory with Argentina, multiple Champions League titles and numerous individual awards. Now, his ambitions are increasingly extending into club ownership.
The Eldense agreement is not yet a completed transaction, but the club’s confirmation means Messi is closer than ever to becoming the owner of a second Spanish football team.
If the final approvals are secured, Messi will officially add a professional Spanish club to his growing football empire. For Eldense, meanwhile, the arrival of one of the most recognizable figures in football could usher in an entirely new era for the club.
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