Messi agrees to buy second Spanish club

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is set to expand his club ownership portfolio after reaching a "preliminary agreement" to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division side Eldense. 

The move comes just months after his acquisition of fifth-tier club Cornella in April.

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According to a statement released by Eldense, the 39-year-old forward will acquire the shares currently owned by Grupo TH Soluciones.

"The transaction is currently subject to the completion of the remaining legal and contractual procedures, including the due diligence process, as well as the required authorisation from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD)," the club confirmed. Reports in Spain on Tuesday indicated that the deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days.

Based in Alicante, Eldense recently climbed to the second tier of Spanish football following years spent in the regional divisions. However, the team has endured a difficult start to the current campaign, sitting 20th in La Liga 2 with just two points from their first four matches.

This latest acquisition further cements the former Barcelona star’s post-playing ambitions in Spain. When he purchased Cornella earlier this year, the club noted that his investment "reinforces his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia."

Messi’s transition into ownership will also extend to the United States. He is currently playing for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami on a contract that runs until 2028, after which he is set to receive an ownership stake in the franchise.

These boardroom moves arrive during a transitional period in Messi’s legendary career. Just last month, he announced his retirement from international football after Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Interestingly, Messi is not the only football icon shifting his focus to Spanish club ownership. His former Real Madrid rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, purchased a 25% stake in Spanish side Almeria in February.