Lionel Messi will expand his football ownership position as he is expected to buy Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense in principle. The Argentine superstar is close to buying 100% of the shares owned by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., which represents another step in his career in football beyond playing.
The takeover, being announced on September 8 and 9, 2026, will be Eldense Messi’s second football club investment in Spain this year. It is not yet finished. Eldense said that the agreement is still subject to final legal and contractual approval and due diligence and mandatory approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD).
Messi Moves Into LaLiga 2 Ownership
CD Eldense is based in Elda, in the province of Alicante, and plays in Spain’s second division, the LaLiga 2 or Segunda División. The club has spent most of its history in the lower leagues of football, but has recently returned to the second tier.
Eldense’s current ownership group, TH Soluciones, took control in October 2025. The investment helped in the development of the club’s place in the professional game, but Eldense has had a poor 2026-27 season. Eldense had only two points in its first four league games and was in third place when manager Claudio Barragán was fired.
Messi’s arrival would change the club’s profile, resources, and global presence drastically.
Second Spanish Club for Messi
The Eldense move follows Messi’s purchase of the Catalan club UE Cornellà in April 2026. Messi bought the fifth-tier Spanish side on April 16, making Cornellà his first football club investment in Spain.
If the Eldense deal is completed, Messi will control two Spanish clubs operating at very different levels of the football pyramid. Cornellà is in the fifth tier, and Eldense is in the professional second division.
Messi’s move also adds another dimension to his post-playing career. The 39-year-old remains with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and will have a stake in the American club when his playing contract is up.
What Happens Next?
Although there are reports of Messi as the new owner of the club, the takeover needs to be completed. Eldense has not given a date for completion, but the CSD authorization is still an important part of the deal.
The imminent acquisition is, however, a big deal for Eldense. Messi’s international recognition could help the club to grow and attract commercial opportunities and may further enhance its long-term aspirations.
Messi, however, will likely feel that the Eldense deal means that football ownership is now very much a part of his future. After such an amazing career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and Argentina, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now starting to take his business on board.
In fact, such a 100% Eldense acquisition will make Messi one of the most prominent active footballers to enter club ownership and still play professionally.
