Inter Miami and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has officially taken over Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, marking a significant expansion of his growing football investment portfolio. The club confirmed the development on Thursday, describing the acquisition as the beginning of a long-term project aimed at improving its sporting performance, institutional structure and social impact.
The deal, which is still subject to approval from Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD), will see Messi become the owner of a professional football club in Spain for the first time.
Eldense, based in the city of Elda in Alicante, were previously owned by Colombian investment group Grupo TH, which also has football interests in Colombia and Switzerland. The acquisition marks the third ownership change at the Spanish club in the past year.
In an official statement, Eldense welcomed Messi’s arrival, describing him as one of the most influential figures in sporting history and expressing confidence in the long-term vision for the club.
Lionel Messi Expands His Football Club Ownership Portfolio
Messi’s takeover of Eldense represents another major step in his growing involvement in football management and investment beyond his playing career.
Earlier in 2026, the Argentina captain was confirmed as the new owner of UE Cornellà, a fifth-division football club based in Barcelona. Cornellà currently compete at a semi-professional level, making Eldense Messi’s first investment in a professional Spanish football club.
The 39-year-old football icon is also involved in Deportivo LSM, a Uruguayan club co-owned with his Inter Miami teammate and former Barcelona forward Luis Suárez.
With investments in Spain and Uruguay, Messi continues to build a football ownership portfolio that extends beyond his achievements on the pitch.
Potential Ownership Conflict Between Eldense and Cornellà
Messi’s ownership of both Eldense and Cornellà is not expected to create an immediate regulatory problem, as the two Spanish clubs currently compete in divisions separated by three levels.
However, questions could arise if both teams eventually reach the same division.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has regulations concerning multiple-club ownership and potential conflicts of interest. If Messi holds majority ownership in both teams, their simultaneous participation in the same division could face regulatory restrictions.
The situation may become more significant if Cornellà achieve promotion in the coming seasons, potentially requiring adjustments to Messi’s ownership arrangements.
Eldense’s History and Return to Spain’s Second Division
Founded in 1921, CD Eldense have spent much of their history competing outside the top two tiers of Spanish football.
The club secured promotion to Spain’s second division in 2023 for the first time since 1964. However, their stay in the second tier ended with relegation in 2025 before they earned promotion again in the summer of 2026.
Eldense play their home matches at the Nuevo Pepico Amat Stadium in Elda, which has a capacity of approximately 5,776 spectators.
Despite their recent return to professional football’s second tier, the club have experienced a difficult start to the current season. Eldense failed to win any of their opening four matches, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Claudio Barragán earlier this week.
The club are currently without a manager as they prepare for the next stage of the campaign.
Messi’s Takeover Signals a New Era for Eldense
Messi’s arrival brings renewed attention to Eldense as the club looks to strengthen its sporting and institutional foundations.
The acquisition comes at a significant moment for the Alicante-based side, which has experienced considerable changes in ownership and competitive fortunes over the past year.
While the takeover is still awaiting regulatory approval, Messi’s involvement could open a new chapter in the club’s development, with the long-term project expected to focus on sporting progress, institutional growth and stronger social engagement.
The extent of Messi’s investment plans, including potential changes to the squad, management and club infrastructure, remains to be established.
For now, the football world will be watching closely as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expands his influence from the pitch into professional football ownership in Spain.