Argentina’s great Lionel Messi and Spanish second-division side Eldense have reached a “preliminary agreement” to become the club’s majority shareholder.
Eldense will be Messi’s second Spanish club investment, following the purchase of Catalan side Cornella in April.
The 39-year-old former Barcelona forward now plays for Inter Miami and recently retired from international football after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Eldense said: “A preliminary agreement has been reached with Lionel Messi for the acquisition of the shares currently owned by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would make him the club’s majority shareholder.
“The transaction is currently subject to the completion of the remaining legal and contractual procedures, including the due diligence process, as well as the required authorization from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD).”
The Alicante team has two points from four games this season and, ranked 20th in La Liga 2, parted ways with head coach Claudio Barragan earlier this week.
Cornella, who plays in the fifth tier of Spanish football, stated in April that Messi’s ownership “reinforces his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia.”
He left Argentina for Spain when he was 13 years old and made his first-team debut for Barcelona in October 2004 at the age of 17.
He went on to set a club record with 672 goals in 778 games before leaving for French club Paris St-Germain in 2021 and joining Major League Soccer team Inter Miami in 2023.
Messi’s former Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, purchased a 25% ownership in Spanish club Almeria in February.
