Lionel Messi Becomes New Owner of Spanish Club CD Eldense

Lionel Messi has officially been announced as the new owner of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, marking another major step into football club ownership for the Argentina and Inter Miami star.

Eldense announced the acquisition on Thursday, October 1, describing Messi’s arrival as the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s more than 100-year history. The club, founded in 1921 and based in Elda, Alicante, currently competes in Spain’s second division, LaLiga Hypermotion.

The takeover had been in the works for several weeks. Reports in September said Messi had reached an agreement to acquire the club from its previous majority shareholder, Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S. The transaction involves the club’s shares, with Reuters reporting that Messi acquired all shares held by the previous majority shareholder.

However, the acquisition is still subject to the required approval from Spain’s Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) under the country’s Sports Law. This is particularly relevant because Messi already owns Spanish fifth-tier club UE Cornellà, which he acquired in April 2026.

The ownership of both clubs has raised questions over Spain’s rules governing multiple club ownership. Spanish public broadcaster RTVE previously reported that the Sports Law restricts a person or legal entity from holding significant ownership interests in more than one club participating in the same professional competition or where multiple ownership could affect the integrity of competitions. Cornellà currently plays several divisions below Eldense.

Messi’s acquisition of Eldense therefore gives him ownership of two Spanish football clubs in 2026. His first was UE Cornellà, a club based in Catalonia and competing in the fifth tier of Spanish football. Cornellà officially announced Messi’s acquisition in April, saying the move was intended to strengthen the club’s development and investment in local sporting talent.

Eldense said Messi’s project is expected to focus on the club’s sporting, institutional and social development, while maintaining its local identity and connection with the city of Elda.

The development comes as Eldense competes in the Segunda División. Reuters reported that the club was sitting 19th after seven matches, having recorded just one victory, as it battles to remain in Spain’s second tier.

Messi continues to play for Inter Miami while expanding his interests away from the pitch. His growing involvement in football ownership places him among a group of former and current football stars who have moved into club ownership and investment after, or while still in, their playing careers.