Messi closes in on CD Eldense takeover: A new chapter in football ownership

Lionel Messi is moving closer to a new role off the pitch: football club owner. Reports in Spain say Messi has reached an agreement in principle to buy all shares of CD Eldense, a Spanish second-division club, from Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, but the deal still needs approval from Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD). TH Soluciones gained control of Eldense in October 2026 and would transfer its entire stake to Messi under the reported deal. Eldense, based in Elda, a town of around 55,000 people in Alicante province, have spent most of their history in Spain's lower divisions. However, after fresh investment, they have played in the second tier in three of the past four seasons. Their current campaign has started badly: they have only two points from four league matches and are third from bottom. The club dismissed manager Claudio Barragan on Sunday after that poor run. This potential purchase comes after Messi bought fifth-tier Spanish side UE Cornella on April 16. The former Argentina international is also expected to receive a stake in Major League Soccer club Inter Miami once his current playing contract ends. Messi recently retired from international duty with Argentina, but he continues to build his football portfolio away from the pitch. The move to buy Eldense signals a clearer strategy. Messi is not just buying nostalgic clubs; he is creating a network. Cornella could develop young players, Eldense could push for promotion to La Liga, and Inter Miami could connect the North American market. Messi brings global attention, commercial appeal and football knowledge, but CSD scrutiny and financial regulations remain hurdles. For now, fans are waiting to see whether the next chapter of Messi's career will be written as much in boardrooms as on the pitch.