Lionel Messi is expanding his footprint in Spanish football, reaching a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder of Segunda División side CD Eldense. The club, based in Alicante, confirmed the development on September 9, 2026, noting that the deal involves the acquisition of shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones, as reported by BBC Sport.
This move marks the 39-year-old’s second foray into Spanish club ownership this year, following his April investment in the Catalan club Cornellà. While Cornellà currently competes in the fifth tier, the acquisition of Eldense represents a significant step into the professional second division.
The transaction remains subject to standard legal and contractual procedures. According to the club’s statement, these include a due diligence process and formal authorization from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD). The timing of the announcement coincides with a period of instability for the club, which currently sits 20th in the league table and recently parted ways with head coach Claudio Barragan.
Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, has maintained deep ties to Spain since moving there at age 13 to join Barcelona’s youth academy. His latest investment follows a trend of high-profile players turning to club ownership, with his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo having purchased a 25% stake in the Spanish club Almería earlier this year.
Follow-up Questions
What is confirmed in this story?
CD Eldense Set for Acquisition by Lionel Messi Following Preliminary Deal Lionel Messi has moved to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division side CD Eldense, marking his second investment in Spanish football.
What should readers watch next?
This move marks the 39-year-old's second foray into Spanish club ownership this year, following his April investment in the Catalan club Cornellà.
What remains unclear: The available reporting does not yet fully settle the next step in the story.
Perspectives
CD Eldense Perspective vs Investment Perspective
Story lens
CD Eldense Perspective
For the club, Messi’s arrival signals a potential infusion of capital and strategic stability at a critical time. Currently sitting 20th in the league and having recently dismissed their coach, the club views this ownership change as a necessary step to secure its long-term viability and professional standing in the Segunda División
Investment Perspective
Messi’s strategy appears to be building a multi-club ownership portfolio, echoing the models used by other high-profile athletes and global investment groups. By acquiring clubs at different tiers of Spanish football, he is positioning himself to influence both local talent development and the broader economic landscape of the sport in his adopted home
A.J. Brown’s Patriots debut ended prematurely due to a third-quarter ankle injury, forcing the offense to rely on Romeo Doubs in a 13-10 loss to Seattle.
Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba silenced critics with a 45-yard touchdown, proving his elite status against New England’s defense.
