Lionel Messi Agrees to Buy Spanish Second-Tier Side CD Eldense
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the new owner of Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, the club confirmed on Wednesday .
The Inter Miami forward, 39, is close to completing a deal to purchase 100% of the shares held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S. , the current majority shareholder .
Deal Pending Final Approvals
While the agreement is in place, the operation is not yet complete. Eldense confirmed that the transaction remains subject to:
- Completion of final legal and contractual procedures, including a due diligence process
- Mandatory authorisation from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD)
The club was unable to give a fixed date for completion, though reports in Spain suggest the deal could be finalised in the coming days .
Messi’s Growing Football Portfolio
This acquisition would make Eldense the second Spanish club Messi has invested in, following his purchase of UE Cornella in Spain’s fifth tier on April 16 earlier this year .
Messi is also set to receive a stake in his current club, Inter Miami, after the expiry of his playing contract .
About CD Eldense
Eldense currently sits 20th in the Segunda División standings and was taken over by TH Soluciones Group last October . The club has risen to the second tier after years spent in regional divisions and are based in Elda, a town in Alicante province with approximately 55,000 residents .
Local Reaction
Elda Mayor Rubén Alfaro welcomed the news, stating: “The fact that a figure like Leo Messi is interested in us and would like to support both the club and Elda is spectacular news” . However, he urged caution, noting the need to “respect the confidentiality required by these processes” .
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Lionel Messi |
| Club | CD Eldense (Spanish Segunda División) |
| Acquisition | 100% of shares from TH Soluciones Group |
| Status | Agreement in principle, pending due diligence and CSD approval |
| Other Clubs Owned | UE Cornella (Spanish fifth tier) |
| Future Plans | Messi also set to receive stake in Inter Miami |