Argentine legend Lionel Messi has agreed to buy Eldense, as confirmed yesterday by the club competing in the Spanish second division of football.
Eldense, based in the city of Elda in the province of Alicante, will become the former Barcelona forward's second venture into owning Spanish football clubs, after he purchased fifth-tier club Cornellà in April. The 39-year-old currently plays for American side Inter Miami, and retired from international football after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final this summer.
The club told AFP, "Eldense can confirm that Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle with the club's current owners to acquire the shares currently held by the TH Soluciones group, which would make him the majority shareholder of Eldense."
It added, "At present, the deal remains pending the completion of final legal and contractual procedures, including the due diligence process, in addition to obtaining the required approval from the Spanish Sports Council."
It continued, "For the time being, the club cannot disclose details regarding the financial terms of the deal, or set a final deadline for its completion, given that the process has not yet been finalized."
The club, founded in 1921, noted, "Once the relevant procedures are completed and the necessary permits are obtained, Eldense will officially announce any developments in this regard."
