Messi agrees to buy second Spanish club
September 9, 2026 11:56
Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense has announced a "preliminary agreement" with Lionel Messi for him to acquire the shares held by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would make him the club's majority shareholder. The club said the deal is not complete and awaits further legal and contractual steps.
If completed, this would be Messi's second investment in a Spanish club after he bought fifth-tier Cornella in April.
KEY CONTEXT
Eldense, based in Alicante, compete in LaLiga 2 and have struggled early in the season, sitting 20th with two points from four matches; the club also dismissed head coach Claudio Barragán this week. Cornella described Messi’s earlier purchase as strengthening his links to Barcelona and supporting sport and local talent in Catalonia.
Messi is 39, currently plays for Inter Miami and recently retired from international football following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. His playing history includes moving from Argentina to Spain at 13, debuting for Barcelona’s first team in October 2004 aged 17, scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances for the club, then leaving for Paris St‑Germain in 2021 before joining Inter Miami in 2023.
WHY IT MATTERS
A takeover by one of football’s most recognisable figures would increase international attention on a club fighting in Spain’s second tier and follows a recent pattern of elite players acquiring stakes in Spanish teams. Eldense could gain financial and sporting interest from Messi’s involvement, while the move adds to the broader trend of high-profile players investing in clubs in Spain.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether the transaction clears the remaining legal and contractual procedures, including due diligence.
- Receipt of formal approval from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD), which the club says is required.
- How Eldense’s season and managerial situation develop while the ownership process is unresolved.
KEY FACTS
- Eldense say a preliminary agreement has been reached for Messi to buy shares from Grupo TH Soluciones that would make him majority shareholder.
- The deal remains subject to due diligence, legal steps and CSD authorisation.
- Eldense are 20th in LaLiga 2 with two points from four games and have parted company with coach Claudio Barragán.
- Messi bought Cornella, a fifth-tier Catalan side, in April.
- Messi, 39, plays for Inter Miami and retired from international football after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
- Cristiano Ronaldo bought a 25% stake in Spanish club Almería in February.