Superstar Lionel Messi Poised to Acquire Spain's Eldense Club

Inter Miami's prolific forward, Lionel Messi, has reportedly entered into a preliminary arrangement to assume ownership of Eldense, a club currently playing in Spain's second division. This impending deal, according to an ESPN report on Tuesday which cited an undisclosed source, remains contingent on the successful completion of due diligence and receiving the necessary endorsement from Spain’s National Sports Council.

Currently, the Colombian investment firm Grupo TH, which also holds stakes in football clubs in Colombia and Switzerland, owns Eldense. Should this transaction proceed, Eldense will mark Messi's second foray into Spanish club ownership. PUNCH Online had previously reported in April 2026 that the football maestro, a recipient of eight Ballon d’Or awards, purchased Cornella, a fifth-tier Barcelona-based team. Cornella is notable for nurturing talents like Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya and Messi's former Barcelona colleague, Jordi Alba. Nevertheless, Eldense represents Messi's initial venture into a professional Spanish club, given that Cornella maintains its status as a semi-professional outfit.

At 39 years old, Messi also holds a partial interest in the Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM, an involvement he shares with his Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suárez.

Presently, a three-division gap separates Eldense and Cornella, suggesting that their joint ownership by Messi might not present an immediate conflict. However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) would likely prevent both clubs from competing in the same division if Messi were to become the principal shareholder in both entities.

Established in 1921, Eldense has largely operated outside Spain’s top two football divisions throughout its history. The club made its return to the second tier in 2023, a feat not achieved since 1964, only to face relegation in 2025 before regaining its spot in the division this current summer. This season, Eldense has struggled, failing to secure a victory in any of its initial four matches, a performance that culminated in the sacking of coach Claudio Barragán earlier in the week. The club is presently operating without a head coach.

Their home games are hosted at the Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium, located in the city of Elda, which boasts a capacity of 5,776 spectators.