Lionel Messi is set to expand his involvement in Spanish football after reaching a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder of La Liga 2 club Eldense.
The Alicante-based side announced that Messi has agreed terms to acquire the shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones. The transaction has not yet been completed and remains dependent on legal and contractual procedures, including due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council.
If finalised, Eldense would become the second Spanish club in Messi’s investment portfolio. The former Barcelona star bought Catalan side Cornella earlier this year, strengthening his growing presence in football ownership alongside his playing career.
Messi, now 39, remains with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He recently ended his international career following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
His proposed arrival as Eldense’s majority owner comes during a difficult start to the season for the club. Eldense have collected just two points from their opening four matches and currently sit 20th in Spain’s second tier.
The poor run has already prompted a managerial change, with Claudio Barragan leaving his role as head coach earlier this week.
Messi’s investment in Cornella in April marked his first move into Spanish club ownership. Cornella currently compete in the fifth tier and described the deal at the time as part of Messi’s continuing connection with Barcelona and his interest in supporting local football development.
Messi has deep roots in Spanish football after moving from Argentina to Barcelona at the age of 13. He made his senior debut for Barcelona in October 2004 at 17 and went on to establish himself as the club’s record goalscorer.
Across 778 appearances for Barcelona, he scored 672 goals before leaving the club in 2021. Messi subsequently spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in 2023.
His latest investment also continues a growing trend of high-profile former rivals entering Spanish club ownership. Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, acquired a 25% stake in Spanish side Almeria in February.
Eldense’s deal with Messi will only become official once the remaining regulatory and contractual requirements have been completed.