Official: Lionel Messi Becomes Owner of Eldense
Lionel Messi is beginning a new chapter away from the field after Eldense officially announced the Argentine's acquisition of the club.
Lionel Messi continues to expand his presence in soccer, but this time from the boardroom. CD Eldense officially announced the acquisition of the club by the Argentine, beginning a new era for the historic Alicante side.
Eldense's statement presented Messi as the club's new owner and described his arrival as the beginning of a long-term project aimed at driving the club's sporting, institutional and social growth.
There is, however, one final administrative step. The club explained that the transaction is still subject to the required authorization from Spain's Higher Sports Council (CSD), as established under Spanish sports legislation.
The move completes a deal that had been developing for several weeks. Messi had reached an agreement to acquire the shares held by Colombian group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., which had been the club's majority shareholder. Reuters reported that the Argentine has completed the acquisition, pending that regulatory approval.
A New Project for Messi in Spain
The acquisition of Eldense further expands Messi's business presence in Spanish soccer.
The Argentine had already acquired UE Cornellà earlier this year, a Catalan club particularly known for its youth development system. He now adds a project in professional soccer with an Eldense side currently competing in LaLiga Hypermotion.
Founded in 1921, the club from Elda has spent much of its history in the lower divisions of Spanish soccer but has managed to reestablish itself in the professional game in recent years.
Messi's arrival represents an opportunity to significantly increase the club's international exposure and develop a project that, according to the official statement, will seek to preserve Eldense's roots and identity while attempting to consolidate its place in professional soccer.
Messi and Cristiano Will Meet Again in Spain
The deal also creates one of the most intriguing storylines of the LaLiga Hypermotion season.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's historic rival during their years in Spain, acquired a 25% stake in UD Almería in February 2026 through CR7 Sports Investments. The Portuguese star is part of the club's ownership consortium led by SMC Group.
It means two of the greatest players in soccer history once again have competing interests in Spanish soccer, although this time from an entirely different position.
In fact, Almería and Eldense already met on the opening matchday of the current LaLiga Hypermotion season, with the Almería side securing a 3-0 victory. The schedule has the two clubs meeting again on May 2, 2027, this time at Eldense's home ground.
After spending years at the center of a historic rivalry while representing Barcelona and Real Madrid, Messi and Cristiano are crossing paths once again in Spain. This time, they are not only players but also investors with sporting interests in two clubs competing in the same division.
Messi and Cristiano Take Their Rivalry to the Boardroom
- CD Eldense officially announced Lionel Messi as its new owner, although the transaction still requires authorization from the CSD.
- Cristiano Ronaldo owns a 25% stake in UD Almería through CR7 Sports Investments.
- Eldense and Almería are competing in LaLiga Hypermotion this season and will meet again on May 2, 2027.
