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Messi completes ownership of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense
Lionel Messi has completed his acquisition of CD Eldense, a Spanish Segunda División club, marking his second club ownership in Spain after acquiring UE Cornellà in April 2026. The deal awaits regulatory approval from Spain's Higher Sports Council under Sports Law requirements.
Quick Facts
- Messi completed acquisition of 100 per cent of CD Eldense shares
- Messi becomes majority shareholder of CD Eldense
- Club announced ownership change on official statement
- Transaction pending regulatory approval from CSD
- Lionel Messi
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Lionel Messi has officially completed his acquisition of CD Eldense, a Spanish Segunda División club based in Elda, Alicante, the club announced on 1 October 2026. Messi acquired 100 per cent of the shares previously held by TH Soluciones Group SAS, a Colombian investment group. The 39-year-old Argentine, who currently plays for MLS side Inter Miami, becomes the majority shareholder of the century-old club, which was founded in 1921.
The transaction remains subject to mandatory regulatory approval from Spain's Higher Sports Council (Consejo Superior de Deportes – CSD) under Spanish Sports Law. CD Eldense stated that the formal administrative process has reached its final stage pending this ratification. The acquisition follows a preliminary agreement reached in September 2026.
CD Eldense currently competes in Spain's second tier, where the club sits 19th in the 22-team league with one win and five points from its opening seven games of the 2026–27 season. The club's statement emphasised a long-term vision focused on strengthening the club's sporting, institutional, and social development while preserving its historic identity and century-old heritage. Messi's project aims to consolidate the club's position in professional football and attract international commercial interest and broadcasting revenue.
This acquisition marks Messi's second direct ownership stake in Spanish professional football. In April 2026, the Inter Miami forward acquired UE Cornellà, a fifth-tier Spanish club. Both clubs now fall under Messi's expanding portfolio of global sports ownership ventures. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina, retired from international football in August 2026.
Why This Matters
Messi's acquisition of CD Eldense expands his sports ownership portfolio in European football, with both newly acquired Spanish clubs now under his control. The deal's completion pending regulatory approval from Spain's Higher Sports Council may take several weeks; once approved, it formalizes Messi's majority shareholding and could affect the club's commercial revenue, broadcasting partnerships, and investment capacity as it competes in the 22-team second tier. The acquisition also reflects a shift in Messi's post-playing career strategy beyond his current MLS contract with Inter Miami.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1921
WireCD Eldense founded
Apr 16, 2026
WireMessi acquires UE Cornellà, a fifth-tier Spanish club
Oct 1, 2026
WireMessi completes acquisition of CD Eldense; club announces ownership change
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Sources
- Lionel Messi Officially Acquires Spanish Club CD EldenseAsaba Metro NewsMediaOct 1, 2026
- Messi confirmed as new owner of Spanish club CD Eldense |The Eagle OnlineMediaOct 1, 2026
- Messi owns us now — Spanish club announce as Ronaldo rivalry takes new shapePulse Sports NigeriaMediaOct 1, 2026
- Lionel Messi officially becomes new owner of Spanish club CD Eldensehttps://www.nigfooty.com/MediaOct 1, 2026
- Messi Acquires Second Spanish ClubTHISDAYLIVEMediaOct 1, 2026