Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire Spanish second-tier club Eldense, potentially adding another European team to his growing football investment portfolio.
The proposed deal is still subject to due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council, according to ESPN, which cited a source on Tuesday.
Eldense are currently owned by Colombian investment group Grupo TH, which also has interests in football clubs in Colombia and Switzerland.
If the takeover is completed, Eldense would become the second Spanish club owned by Messi.
PUNCH Online previously reported that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acquired Spanish club Cornella in April 2026.
The Barcelona-based fifth-tier club has produced several notable players, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba.
However, Eldense would represent Messi’s first investment in a professional Spanish club, as Cornella currently operate at a semi-professional level.
Messi Expands Club Ownership Portfolio
Messi, 39, is also a part-owner of Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM, an investment he shares with his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez.
Eldense and Cornella currently sit three divisions apart, meaning Messi’s ownership of both clubs is unlikely to create an immediate conflict.
However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is unlikely to permit both teams to compete in the same division if Messi becomes the majority shareholder of both clubs.
Eldense’s Fight for Stability
Founded in 1921, Eldense have spent much of their history outside Spain’s top two divisions.
The club returned to the second tier in 2023 for the first time since 1964 but were relegated in 2025 before securing promotion back to the division this summer.
Their return to the second tier has not started as planned. Eldense have failed to win any of their first four matches this season, a run that resulted in the dismissal of coach Claudio Barragán earlier this week.
The club are currently searching for a new manager as they navigate a difficult start to the campaign.
Eldense play their home matches at the Nuevo Pepico Amat, a 5,776-capacity stadium in the city of Elda.
A completed takeover would mark another significant step in Messi’s growing involvement in football club ownership and could give the Argentine superstar a stronger foothold in Spanish football beyond his legendary playing career.
