Lionel Messi has expanded his growing football ownership portfolio after completing the acquisition of Spanish second-division side CD Eldense, marking his second investment in Spanish football in 2026.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, has taken control of the Alicante-based club following an agreement reached in September. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval from Spain’s Higher Sports Council.
The move follows Messi’s purchase of Catalan club UE Cornellà in April, further strengthening his involvement in Spanish football beyond his legendary playing career.
For Eldense, the arrival of one of football’s most recognisable figures represents a potentially transformative moment in the club’s history.
Messi Expands His Spanish Football Empire
CD Eldense officially confirmed the takeover on 1 October, announcing the beginning of what it described as a new chapter spanning the club’s more than 100-year history.
Founded in 1921, Eldense compete in Spain’s Segunda División, the country’s second tier, making this a significant step up in Messi’s football ownership ambitions.
The club stated that the acquisition would launch a long-term project focused on sporting, institutional and social development, while maintaining its historic identity and connection with supporters.
Messi’s first Spanish football investment came in April, when he acquired UE Cornellà, a Catalan club competing in Spain’s fifth tier.
The two investments place the Argentine superstar in an increasingly influential position within Spanish football, although the immediate objectives of the projects are different.
While Cornellà represents an opportunity to develop a lower-league club, Eldense offer Messi a foothold in professional football just one division below La Liga.
Can Messi Rescue Eldense’s Season?
Messi’s arrival comes at a challenging time for his new club.
Eldense are currently 19th in the 22-team Segunda División, having collected just five points from their opening seven matches.
With the threat of relegation already looming, the new ownership arrives at a crucial stage of the campaign.
However, Messi’s involvement does not automatically guarantee an immediate financial transformation or a major influx of players.
Spanish football operates under financial controls, and any long-term development will require careful planning, investment and recruitment.
The club’s stated ambition is to establish greater stability and growth, rather than simply relying on the publicity generated by its famous new owner.
Nevertheless, Messi’s global profile could bring increased international attention, commercial opportunities and fresh interest from supporters around the world.
For a club founded more than a century ago, the challenge will be turning that attention into sustainable progress on and off the pitch.
From Barcelona Legend to Football Club Owner
Messi’s relationship with Spanish football stretches back to his teenage years.
He moved from Argentina to Spain aged 13 before making his Barcelona first-team debut in October 2004, aged just 17.
Over the following years, he became the defining player of Barcelona’s modern era, scoring a remarkable 672 goals in 778 appearances.
His achievements included 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies before departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
After two seasons in France, Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, taking his career to Major League Soccer.
His transition into club ownership now provides another route for the Argentine to remain connected to football long after his playing days eventually conclude.
At 39, Messi continues to play at the highest level while gradually building a portfolio that could shape his post-playing career.
Messi and Ronaldo: Football’s Greatest Rivals Turn Investors
Interestingly, Messi is not the only member of football’s greatest modern rivalry to enter Spanish club ownership.
Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 25% stake in Spanish club UD Almería in February 2026, adding football investment to his business interests.
The two superstars have spent much of their careers competing for individual honours, including the Ballon d’Or, while dominating European football for more than a decade.
Now, both are establishing connections with Spanish clubs, albeit through different ownership arrangements.
Ronaldo’s investment in Almería and Messi’s growing involvement with Eldense and Cornellà highlight how two of football’s most influential figures are preparing for life beyond their playing careers.
What Happens Next for CD Eldense?
The immediate priority for Eldense remains their position in the Segunda División.
Regulatory approval is still required to complete the ownership process, while the club must also address its difficult start to the season.
Messi’s name alone will attract attention, but the real measure of the takeover will be the club’s development over the coming years.
Could Eldense eventually become a regular contender for promotion to La Liga? That remains a long-term ambition rather than an immediate expectation.
For now, one thing is certain: Lionel Messi’s influence on Spanish football is continuing to grow, even as his playing career enters its later stages.
The man who spent 17 years dazzling Barcelona supporters is now beginning a new chapter, this time from the owner’s seat.
