ALICANTE — Lionel Messi has completed the purchase of Spanish second-division club CD Eldense on October 1, 2026. The transaction establishes the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward as the majority shareholder of the Alicante-based club.

Messi acquired all shares previously held by a Colombian investment group known as Grupo TH Soluciones. The deal follows a preliminary agreement reached in September 2026 to become the club's majority owner.

CD Eldense issued an official statement regarding the change in ownership. "Club Deportivo Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the club by Leo Messi, marking the start of a new and exciting chapter in the club's history, which spans more than 100 years," the club said.

The organization outlined its future objectives under the new ownership structure. "The arrival of one of the most important figures in the history of sport as owner of CD Eldense marks the beginning of a long-term project aimed at promoting the club's sporting, institutional, and social development," the club added.

The acquisition remains subject to regulatory oversight. Approval from Spain's Higher Sports Council (CSD) is required under Spanish sports legislation before the transfer is fully authorized.

CD Eldense faces immediate sporting challenges following the announcement. The team currently sits 19th in the 22-team Spanish second division. It has recorded only one win and five points from its opening seven games of the season.

This move represents Messi's second investment in Spanish football during 2026. He previously purchased UE Cornellà in April 2026. That club is a fifth-division semiprofessional team based in Barcelona that competes in the Tercera División, the fourth tier of the Spanish league system.

Messi's career includes extensive experience in Spain before his current tenure in Major League Soccer. He relocated to Spain from Argentina at age 13 in 2000. He made his first-team debut for Barcelona in October 2004 at age 17.

During his time with Barcelona, he scored 672 goals in 778 games. He left the club for Paris St-Germain in 2021 and joined Inter Miami in 2023.

His international achievements include winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. He also holds eight Ballon d'Or titles. Messi announced his retirement from international football in August 2026.

Other high-profile athletes have recently entered the Spanish football ownership market. Cristiano Ronaldo bought a 25% stake in Spanish side Almeria in February 2026.

Why It Matters

The purchase places a globally recognized athlete in control of a historic Spanish institution facing relegation pressure. CD Eldense was founded in 1921 and has competed in the second division for multiple seasons. The club's current position near the bottom of the table reflects the sporting development goals stated in the ownership announcement.

Messi's involvement signals a continued trend of elite players investing in lower-tier or struggling clubs. His prior acquisition of UE Cornellà demonstrates a pattern of engagement with the Spanish football pyramid beyond the top flight. The requirement for CSD authorization reflects the regulatory framework governing such transfers in Spain.

Timeline

Lionel Messi relocated to Spain from Argentina at age 13 in 2000. Lionel Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in October 2004 at age 17. Lionel Messi left Barcelona for Paris St-Germain in 2021.

Lionel Messi won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. Lionel Messi previously bought Catalan side UE Cornellà in April 2026.

What's New

Lionel Messi has previously invested in UE Cornellà, a fifth-division semiprofessional team based in Barcelona, which he purchased in April 2026. CD Eldense currently sits 19th in the 22-team Spanish second division, with only five points from seven games, indicating a challenging season so far. The acquisition of CD Eldense by Lionel Messi is still subject to authorization from Spain's Higher Sports Council (CSD), as established under Spanish sports legislation.

CD Eldense, which Messi now owns, was founded in 1921 and has a long history in Spanish football, having competed in the second division for multiple seasons. UE Cornellà, which Messi bought in April 2026, is part of the Spanish football league system and competes in the Tercera División, the fourth tier of Spanish football. Lionel Messi is the majority shareholder of CD Eldense. The purchase of CD Eldense by Messi is subject to approval by Spain's Higher Sports Council (CSD), as stated in the official announcement by the club.