Messi completes takeover of Spanish second-tier club Eldense
10:15, 02/10/2026, FridayU: Update: 10:25, 02/10/2026, Friday
AA
AA
Argentine football star Lionel Messi Argentine football star Lionel Messi has completed the takeover of CD Eldense, a Spanish second-division side, with the club announcing the deal marks a "new and exciting stage" in its century-long history, though the transaction remains subject to approval by Spain's Higher Sports Council.
CD Eldense announced on Thursday that Argentine football star Lionel Messi has completed the acquisition of the Spanish second-division club, stating the takeover marks the beginning of a "new and exciting stage" in its more than 100-year history.
Deal awaits regulatory approval
The transaction, which sees Messi acquiring shares previously held by a Colombian investment group, remains subject to approval by Spain's Higher Sports Council under the country's sports law. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Second Spanish investment this year
This acquisition marks Messi's second investment in a Spanish football club within this year, following his purchase of Catalan side UE Cornellà in April. The 39-year-old World Cup winner, who currently plays for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, acquired the shares from Eldense's previous majority shareholder.
Club heritage and future goals
Founded in 1921 and based in the city of Elda in Spain's Alicante province, Eldense currently competes in the country's Segunda División. The club said it enters this new era with the aim of consolidating its position in professional football while preserving its local identity and traditions.