Lionel Messi has completed the acquisition of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, opening a new chapter in the history of the Alicante-based side.
The club confirmed the deal on October 1, 2026, announcing Messi as its new owner after the Argentina great acquired the shares previously held by the club's majority shareholder. The transaction remains subject to approval from Spain's Consejo Superior de Deportes under the country's sporting regulations.
The move follows an agreement in principle reached in September, when Messi entered negotiations to acquire the controlling stake in Eldense.
At the time, the process was still subject to due diligence, final contractual procedures and regulatory approval. Those negotiations have now progressed to the point where the club has formally announced the takeover.
Eldense said Messi's arrival marks the beginning of a long-term project focused on strengthening the club's sporting, institutional and social development.
Founded in 1921, the club has more than a century of history and is currently competing in Spain's second division.
Messi's arrival comes at a challenging sporting moment for Eldense.
The club sit 19th in the 22-team Segunda Division after collecting five points from their opening seven matches, including one victory, leaving them among the sides battling near the bottom of the table.
The acquisition also expands Messi's growing involvement in football ownership.
It is the second Spanish club the 39-year-old has invested in during 2026, following his acquisition of UE Cornella earlier in the year.
Despite moving into club ownership, Messi remains an active player with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
The former Barcelona forward retired from international football with Argentina in August, although he has since been called up for a farewell appearance scheduled against Benin on October 6.
Messi's connection with Spanish football stretches back more than two decades.
He moved to Spain as a teenager and made his senior Barcelona debut in 2004 before becoming the club's record goalscorer.
During his time at Camp Nou, Messi scored 672 goals in 778 appearances and established himself as one of the most decorated players in the club's history.
He left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before joining Inter Miami in 2023.
His takeover of Eldense now represents another significant step in his involvement in football beyond his playing career.
The club said the new ownership would seek to consolidate Eldense's position in professional football while preserving its identity, history and connection to the city of Elda.
Messi also joins a growing list of high-profile footballers investing in clubs during or after their playing careers.
For Eldense, however, the immediate focus will remain on improving results on the pitch as the club attempts to climb away from the lower end of the Segunda Division table under its new ownership structure.
