Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the majority owner of Spanish second-division club Eldense, Daily Mail Sport has confirmed. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, pending completion of legal and contractual procedures and approval from Spain's High Council for Sport (CSD).
Messi will acquire the shares currently held by Colombian investment group Grupo TH. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Eldense, based in Valencia, were promoted to the second division at the end of last season. The club has had a challenging start to the current campaign, accumulating two points in their opening four matches. Their head coach, Claudio Barragan, was dismissed earlier this week, leaving the team without a manager.
This acquisition marks the latest expansion of Messi's football ventures. Earlier this year, the 39-year-old Argentinian star purchased a 100% stake in UE Cornella, a semi-professional club on the outskirts of Barcelona that competes in Spain's fifth tier. UE Cornella stated that Messi's involvement signifies a new era focused on sporting and institutional growth, strengthening the club's foundation, and investing in talent, guided by a long-term vision of ambition, sustainability, and local connection.
Messi, who recently retired from international play after Argentina's World Cup final defeat, also holds other investments in football. He is a co-owner of Uruguayan side Deportivo LSM with Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez and has a direct equity option in his current MLS club, Inter Miami, which could lead to a partial ownership stake after his playing career concludes.
A potential challenge for Messi's expanding ownership portfolio could arise if Eldense and Cornella were to reach the same competitive division. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) would likely prohibit both clubs from competing in the same league under common ownership.
Founded in 1921, Eldense has primarily played outside of Spain's top two divisions throughout its history. The club secured promotion to the second tier for the first time since 1964 in 2023, experienced relegation in 2025, and earned an immediate return this past summer. They play their home games at the 5,776-capacity Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium in Elda.