Lionel Messi has been confirmed as the new owner of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, adding another club to his growing football portfolio.
Eldense announced the takeover on Thursday, October 1, 2026, saying the former Barcelona and Argentina captain had acquired the club and would lead a new phase in its 105-year history.
Founded in 1921 and based in Elda, Alicante, Eldense compete in LaLiga Hypermotion, Spain’s second tier. The club said the new project would target sporting, institutional and social development while preserving its ties with the city and supporters.
The deal follows an agreement announced on September 9 for Messi to acquire 100 per cent of the shares held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., which had controlled Eldense since October 2025.
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The transaction still requires authorisation from Spain’s Consejo Superior de Deportes, or National Sports Council, under regulations governing multiple club ownership.
Messi already owns UE Cornellà, whose acquisition was announced on April 16, 2026. The Catalan club compete in Spain’s lower divisions, while Eldense play in the professional second tier.
The takeover follows the departure of Carolina Holguín as Eldense president on September 17, as the club prepared for the ownership transition.
Messi remains an active player with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. His formal presentation as Eldense owner is scheduled for October 8 at the Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium in Elda, pending the required regulatory approval.