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Lionel Messi Takes Control of Spanish Second Division Club Eldense

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has officially become the owner of Spanish second division side Eldense, marking his first investment in a professional football club within Spain.

The Alicante-based club confirmed the takeover recently, a milestone in the 39-year-old’s expanding football business ventures beyond his playing career. Eldense was previously under the ownership of Colombian investment group Grupo TH, known for holding stakes in various clubs across Colombia and Switzerland. This marks the third ownership change for Eldense in the last year.

The agreement awaits formal approval from Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD), which is required before the deal is finalized. Once approved, this acquisition could spark a new chapter for the club competing in the Segunda División.

A Step Into Professional Ownership

This move is notable as it represents Messi’s first stake in a professional Spanish club. Earlier this year, he bought fifth-division team Cornella, but that club remains semi-professional. Eldense’s official statement expressed optimism about their future with Messi at the helm, emphasizing the potential for growth in sporting, institutional, and social areas.

“The arrival of one of the most significant figures in sports history into Spanish professional football as the owner of CD Eldense signals the beginning of a long-term project aimed at driving the club’s sporting, institutional, and social development,” the club said.

Historical Context and Ownership Challenges

Founded in 1921, Eldense has spent most of its existence outside Spain’s top two divisions. They play home matches at the Estadio Nuevo Pepico Amat, which holds 5,776 fans. The club returned to the second tier in 2023 after decades away, was relegated in 2025, and secured promotion again this summer.

Messi also holds a partial stake in Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside teammate Luis Suarez. Owning both Eldense and Cornella currently does not pose problems due to the three-tier gap between the teams. But if Cornella climbs higher, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) may block both clubs from playing in the same division under Messi’s majority control.

Immediate Challenges on and off the Field

Eldense faces a tough start to the season, having failed to win any of their first four league matches. This poor form resulted in the recent dismissal of head coach Claudio Barragan. As the takeover process advances, Eldense is without a manager and urgently needs to appoint one to stabilize their performance.

The next critical step is obtaining regulatory clearance from the CSD to finalize the takeover. Meanwhile, the new ownership must quickly settle leadership decisions to guide the club through this transition period.

  • Club: Eldense
  • League: Spanish Segunda División
  • Stadium: Estadio Nuevo Pepico Amat
  • Capacity: 5,776
  • Previous Owner: Grupo TH (Colombian investment group)
  • Year Founded: 1921
  • Recent Promotions/Relegations: Promoted 2023, relegated 2025, promoted again 2026
  • Head Coach Status: Claudio Barragan dismissed, position vacant

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