Football

Lionel Messi Set to Become Majority Shareholder of Spanish Club Eldense

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 9, 2026, 20:36 IST

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi is nearing a deal to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division side Eldense, marking his second investment in a Spanish football club.

Lionel Messi Set to Become Majority Shareholder of Spanish Club Eldense

Lionel Messi is set to expand his footprint in Spanish football, with second-division club Eldense confirming on Wednesday that the Argentine superstar is poised to become their majority shareholder. The club, located near the port city of Alicante in south-east Spain, announced that a preliminary agreement has been reached with current owners, Grupo TH Soluciones.

While the deal remains subject to the finalization of legal and contractual procedures, the move represents a significant shift in the ownership structure of the club. Eldense has not disclosed the financial terms of the agreement or provided a specific timeline for when the transaction will be officially completed.

Expanding Investment Portfolio in Spain

This acquisition would mark the second time the 39-year-old has invested in a Spanish football entity. Earlier this year, the forward became the owner of UE Cornella, a fifth-division club based in Barcelona. These investments highlight a continued connection to the country where he spent two decades of his professional career, having arrived at Barcelona’s youth academy at the age of 13.

The announcement comes during a period of transition for Eldense, which recently parted ways with coach Claudio Barragan. The decision to dismiss the manager followed a difficult start to the current campaign, with the team securing only two points from their opening four league matches.

A Continued Legacy in Spanish Football

Messi’s involvement in Spanish club ownership draws a parallel to his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who maintains a 25% stake in the second-division side Almeria, with the remaining 75% held by the SMC Group. The move coincides with another milestone for the Argentine, who was recently named on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or following a season that included a runner-up finish at the World Cup and a Major League Soccer title with Inter Miami.

Having established himself as one of the most decorated players in history during his long tenure at Barcelona, Messi’s transition into club ownership signals a new chapter in his relationship with the sport in Spain. As negotiations move toward completion, the football community awaits further details on how his influence will shape the future of the Alicante-based club.