By Ghazali Ibrahim
Lionel Messi is close to completing a deal to acquire Spanish second-tier football club CD Eldense, in what would mark his first ownership of a professional club in Spain.
The Argentine superstar has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to purchase 100 per cent of Eldense’s shares from Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S.
The deal is expected to be completed in the coming days but remains subject to legal procedures, including approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD).
Eldense, based in Elda in Alicante, currently compete in Spain’s Segunda División. The club have endured a difficult start to the season, collecting just two points from their opening four matches and recently parting ways with manager Claudio Barragán.
The proposed takeover would expand Messi’s growing football investment portfolio.
In April, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acquired Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornellà, strengthening his business ties to Catalonia.
If completed, the Eldense acquisition would give Messi control of a second Spanish club and deepen his transition from football superstar to club owner and investor.
