Lionel Messi Becomes Owner of Spanish Second-Tier Club Eldense

October 2, 2026 | Football

Lionel Messi has expanded his involvement in Spanish football by completing the acquisition of CD Eldense, making the Spanish second-tier club his second football investment in the country this year.

The announcement was made by Eldense on October 1, with the club describing the takeover as the beginning of a new chapter in its more than 100-year history. The transaction remains subject to the required authorisation from Spain’s Higher Sports Council (CSD).

From Barcelona star to club owner

The acquisition adds another dimension to Messi’s relationship with Spanish football. The Argentine spent the majority of his European playing career at Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami.

In April 2026, Messi acquired Spanish lower-league club UE Cornellà, which competes several levels below Eldense. The purchase of Eldense therefore represents his move into ownership of a professional club competing in Spain’s second division.

Messi agreed to acquire the shares held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., which had been Eldense’s majority shareholder. Financial details of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed.

Eldense enters a new era

Founded in 1921, CD Eldense is based in Elda in Spain’s Alicante province. The club has described Messi’s arrival as part of a long-term project aimed at developing its sporting, institutional and social structures.

The club said the objective is to strengthen its position in professional football while maintaining its local identity and connection with supporters.

Eldense currently competes in LaLiga Hypermotion, Spain’s second tier. Its opening seven league matches of the 2026–27 campaign produced one victory, two draws and four defeats, leaving the club in 19th position in the 22-team division at the time of the announcement.

Regulatory approval still required

Although Eldense has officially announced Messi as its new owner, the transaction is not completely free of regulatory requirements.

The club stated that the acquisition remains subject to the mandatory authorisation of Spain’s Higher Sports Council under the country’s Sports Law. The regulatory issue is particularly relevant because Messi already owns another Spanish football club, Cornellà.

For now, the takeover gives Messi a growing presence in Spanish club football, with interests spanning both the professional and lower tiers of the country’s football pyramid.

What comes next for Eldense?

The immediate focus will be on the club’s sporting campaign and the implementation of the new ownership’s plans.

Eldense has said its new project is intended to promote long-term sporting, institutional and social development. The club’s next scheduled league fixture is against Real Oviedo on October 2 at the Nuevo Pepico Amat.

Messi’s second Spanish club investment therefore begins with a mixture of new ownership ambitions, regulatory requirements and the challenge of competing in Spain’s second division.