Messi Acquires Spanish Second-Division Club Eldense

The Argentina captain has completed the acquisition of CD Eldense, a team competing in Spain's second division. The Alicante-based club confirmed the transaction on Thursday, establishing it as the first professional football entity Messi has purchased within the country. While this move expands his off-pitch business interests, the deal still requires clearance from Spain's National Sports Council (CSD).

Ownership History and Regulatory Status

Eldense was previously held by Grupo TH, a Colombian investment group with stakes in clubs across Colombia and Switzerland. This agreement marks the third change of ownership for the club within the past year. Once the CSD grants official approval, the takeover will initiate a new phase for the second-division outfit. The club stated that the arrival of "one of the most significant figures in sports history" signals the start of a long-term project focused on sporting, institutional, and social development.

Prior Investments and Potential Conflicts

Earlier this year, Messi acquired fifth-division side Cornella, which remains semi-professional. He also holds partial involvement in Uruguayan side Deportivo LSM alongside Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez. Given the three-division gap between Eldense and Cornella, immediate ownership conflicts are unlikely. However, should Cornella rise through the leagues, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) would likely prohibit both clubs from competing in the same division under Messi's majority ownership.

Club Background and Current Challenges

Founded in 1921, Eldense has spent most of its history outside the top two tiers of Spanish football. The team plays home matches at the Estadio Nuevo Pepico Amat, which has a capacity of 5,776. They earned promotion to the second tier in 2023 for the first time since 1964, suffered relegation in 2025, and returned to the division this past summer. On the pitch, the club faces an immediate rebuilding task after failing to win any of their opening four league matches this season.

This poor form resulted in the dismissal of head coach Claudio Barragan earlier this week. Consequently, Eldense currently operates without a manager while the takeover process advances. The primary next step involves securing formal regulatory clearance from the CSD to complete the acquisition. Simultaneously, the new leadership hierarchy must appoint a head coach to stabilize results.