Lionel Messi Takes Control of Spanish Segunda Division Club Eldense
Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, has officially taken control of Eldense, a club in Spain's second division. This move marks his first investment in a professional football club on Spanish soil.
Details of the Takeover
The takeover was confirmed by the Alicante-based club on a recent Thursday, signaling a new chapter for the 39-year-old football icon’s off-field ventures. Eldense had been owned by Colombian investment firm Grupo TH, which also has interests in clubs from Colombia and Switzerland. This transaction represents Eldense’s third change in ownership within the last year.
Approval from Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD) is still pending, and once granted, it will usher in a fresh era for the club.
Significance of the Acquisition
This deal stands out because it is Messi’s first stake in a fully professional Spanish club. Earlier this year, he acquired fifth-division Cornella, but that club remains semi-professional. Eldense has expressed strong enthusiasm about having such a high-profile owner, noting the potential impact Messi could have on their sporting and institutional growth.
“The arrival of one of the most significant figures in sports history into Spanish professional football as the owner of CD Eldense signals the beginning of a long-term project aimed at driving the club’s sporting, institutional, and social development,” Eldense stated.
Club Background and Ownership Considerations
Founded in 1921, Eldense has mostly competed outside Spain’s top two divisions. Their home stadium, Estadio Nuevo Pepico Amat, holds 5,776 spectators and is located in the city of Elda. The club recently earned promotion to the second division in 2023 for the first time since 1964, faced relegation in 2025, and bounced back to the second tier this summer.
Besides Eldense, Messi partly owns Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside teammate Luis Suarez. Owning both Eldense and Cornella should not cause immediate conflicts due to the three-tier difference between the clubs. However, if Cornella climbs higher, Spanish football authorities would likely prevent both teams from competing in the same league under Messi’s majority ownership.
Current Challenges and Next Steps
On the field, Eldense is struggling early in the season, failing to win any of its first four matches. This poor performance led to the recent sacking of head coach Claudio Barragan, leaving the team without a manager amid the ownership transition.
The next crucial step is obtaining official clearance from the CSD to finalize Messi’s acquisition. Meanwhile, the club’s new leadership will need to quickly appoint a head coach to improve results and stabilize the team.
