Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, according to the club's official statement. The deal, which involves the purchase of 100 percent of shares held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group SAS, is pending completion of legal and contractual procedures, including due diligence and mandatory authorisation from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD). Eldense confirmed the agreement to Reuters, stating the transaction is expected to be completed in the coming days, though no fixed date has been provided.

Messi, 39, is set to become the majority owner of a second club in Spain after previously acquiring Catalan side UE Cornella in April 2026. The club, based in Alicante, currently sits 20th in the Segunda standings with two points from four games. Eldense were taken over by TH Soluciones Group in October 2025 and have since risen to the second tier of Spanish football after years in regional divisions.

The club's statement noted that Messi's ownership would 'reinforce his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia,' a reference to his previous association with the Catalan club. However, no official comment from Messi has been released, and the BBC has approached him for comment. The deal also includes a stake in his current club, Inter Miami, which he is set to receive after the expiry of his playing contract.

Eldense's current head coach, Claudio Barragan, was recently dismissed, and the club has struggled to find consistent form this season. The acquisition of Messi's ownership could provide a significant financial boost and potentially elevate the club's standing in Spanish football. However, the exact financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, and the impact on the club's performance remains uncertain.

The purchase of Eldense marks another step in Messi's growing involvement in football beyond his playing career. He previously bought Cornella, a fifth-tier club, and now aims to expand his influence in Spanish football. The move has been compared to the acquisition of Almeria by Cristiano Ronaldo, who bought a 25% stake in the club in February 2026. However, Messi's purchase of Eldense is more substantial, as it involves full ownership.

Despite the potential for growth, several questions remain unanswered. The exact financial terms of the deal, the role Messi will play in the club's management, and the long-term impact on Eldense's performance are all areas of uncertainty. The club's statement did not provide further details on these matters, and no official response from Messi has been released. As the deal moves forward, the football world will be watching closely to see how this new chapter in Messi's career unfolds.