Lionel Messi is nearing a deal to acquire full ownership of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense according to multiple reports from Spain. The Inter Miami forward has reportedly agreed in principle to purchase all shares held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones with an official announcement expected soon.
The deal still requires approval from Spain's Higher Sports Council (CSD) before it can be finalized. TH Soluciones took control of Eldense in October 2025 after buying the club from previous owner Pascual Perez. Reports suggest Messi's entry shifted negotiations away from a rival €12 million bid from Argentine investor Ricardo Pini.
If completed the Eldense would become Messi's second Spanish club following his purchase of fifth-tier side UE Cornellà earlier this year. Unlike Cornellà which remains semi-professional the Eldense would mark Messi's first fully professional club investment in Spain.
Messi 39, is also linked to Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez and is set to receive a future ownership stake in Inter Miami once his playing contract ends.
Founded in 1921, Eldense have spent most of their history outside Spain's top two divisions. They returned to the second tier this season after promotion following relegation in 2025. The club currently sits near the bottom of the table after failing to win any of their opening four matches with prompting the recent sacking of manager Claudio Barragán.
Eldense play home matches at the modest 5,776-capacity Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium in Elda a town of around 55,000 people in Alicante province.
Given the gap between the two clubs' divisions the football authorities are unlikely to raise immediate objections to Messi holding stakes in both Eldense and Cornellà.
