Lionel Messi acquires Spanish second-division club CD Eldense

Just days after his retirement from international soccer, Argentina and FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has announced his next steps. The veteran is now expanding his footprint into club soccer ownership following his days as a player.

Messi, 39, currently captaining MLS’ Inter Miami, has formally reached a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder of CD Eldense. Currently playing in Spain’s second division, the club confirmed that Messi reached an agreement in principle to become the club’s new owner.

“At this time, the operation is pending completion of the final legal and contractual procedures, including the corresponding due diligence process, as well as the mandatory authorisation from the High Council for Sports (CSD),” Eldense told the Reuters news agency (via Al Jazeera).

The soccer legend is reportedly very close to completing a deal to purchase 100 percent ⁠of the club’s shares held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group SAS. Messi is now set to become CD Eldense’s majority club owner, after having previously purchased Barcelona-based Spanish soccer club UE Cornellà in Apr. 2026.

Despite his high net worth, Messi will be unable to invest heavily in CD Eldense’s squad due to Spain’s strict soccer salary limit rules. With his acquisition of CD Eldense, Messi has now joined the list of notable soccer players who own soccer clubs. Messi’s former teammate Gerard Pique’s Kosmos group owns Spain’s second-division team, Andorra.

At the time of the ownership announcement, CD Eldense found itself sitting in 20th place in the league standings with a mere two points from four games. However, with Messi’s arrival and a possible amount of financial investment, the club can see better days; for example, check the UK’s Wrexham.