Lionel Messi buys second Spanish club in major ownership move

Lionel Messi is set to expand his growing football ownership portfolio in Spain, with the Inter Miami forward reaching a preliminary agreement to take over second-division side Eldense. The proposed deal would make the Argentine superstar the majority owner of a professional Spanish club for the first time.

The agreement is still subject to due diligence and approval from Spain's National Sports Council (CSD). If completed, Eldense would become the second Spanish club in Messi's portfolio after he acquired fifth-tier side Cornell earlier this year, although Cornell remain a semi-professional outfit.

Messi's growing involvement in club ownership comes alongside his playing career in the United States. The 39-year-old is also partially involved with Uruguayan side Deportivo LSM alongside former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate Luis Surez.

MESSI'S SPANISH FOOTBALL PORTFOLIO GROWS

Eldense are currently owned by Colombian investment group Grupo TH, which also has football interests in Colombia and Switzerland. Founded in 1921, the club has spent much of its history outside Spain's top two divisions but has experienced a turbulent period in recent seasons.

The Elda-based side returned to the Segunda División this summer after previously earning promotion in 2023 and suffering relegation two years later. Their latest return has not started smoothly, with Eldense failing to win any of their opening four league matches.

The poor start led to the departure of coach Claudio Barragn earlier this week, leaving the club searching for a new manager as the proposed change in ownership takes shape.

For now, Messi's ownership of Eldense and Cornell would not create an immediate competitive conflict, with the clubs separated by three divisions. However, the situation could become more complicated if both sides eventually climb the Spanish football pyramid.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation would be unlikely to permit two clubs with the same majority owner to compete in the same division, meaning Messi's long-term ambitions for Cornell could eventually face a significant test if Eldense continue their progress.

Eldense currently play their home matches at the Nuevo Pepico Amat, a 5,776-capacity stadium in Elda. If the deal goes through, the modest ground will become the latest home venue to fall under the ownership umbrella of one of football's most recognisable figures.