By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Lionel Messi continues to deepen his ties to the nation where his professional journey began. The Inter Miami forward has reached a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division side Eldense. The acquisition will see him purchase shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones. The transaction remains subject to the completion of remaining legal and contractual procedures, including due diligence and mandatory authorization from Spain’s National Sports Council.
Structure of the Proposed Acquisition
Eldense confirmed the development following reports in Spain regarding the takeover talks. The club stated that a preliminary agreement has been reached with Lionel Messi for the acquisition of the shares currently owned by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would make him the club’s majority shareholder. The formal completion of the purchase depends on the finalization of due diligence and regulatory clearances from the Spanish National Sports Council. Financial terms of the agreement have not been publicly disclosed.
Second Spanish Investment
This transaction marks the second time the Argentina great has invested in a Spanish football club. Earlier this year, Messi acquired fifth-division Catalan side Cornellà. While Cornellà remains semi-professional with a focus on youth development, Eldense competes in the professional Segunda División. Messi is also involved with Uruguayan side Deportivo LSM alongside Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez. The ownership of multiple teams could face regulatory scrutiny if both clubs ever reach the same division, given restrictions enforced by the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
Current Standing and Leadership Changes
Eldense currently sits twentieth in La Liga 2, having secured just two points from their opening four matches of the season. The struggles on the pitch prompted the club to part ways with head coach Claudio Barragán. Founded in 1921 by supporters of Barcelona, the Alicante-based club plays its home matches at the modest 5,776-capacity Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium. The association with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner immediately elevates the global profile of the historic club.
Renewed Rivalry With Cristiano Ronaldo
The investment places Messi alongside his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo within the ownership landscape of Spanish second-tier football. Ronaldo purchased a twenty-five percent stake in Spanish club Almería earlier this year through his investment company. The parallel investments create an unusual off-pitch connection between the two global icons, as Almería and Eldense compete in the same division during the current campaign.
Balancing Commercial Growth and Sporting Integrity
As football ownership models shift toward multi-club portfolios among elite athletes, balancing financial expansion with competitive fairness remains a critical regulatory challenge for domestic governing bodies across Europe.
