Lionel Messi completes CD Eldense takeover, buys second Spanish club
Lionel Messi has completed the acquisition of Spanish second-tier club Eldense, subject to regulatory approval, adding another Spanish team to his growing portfolio of football investments.
The 39-year-old Argentina and Barcelona great agreed last month to buy all the shares held by a Colombian investment group, which was Eldense’s previous majority shareholder. The club confirmed the takeover on Thursday.
“Club Deportivo Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the club by Leo Messi, marking the start of a new and exciting chapter in the club’s history, which spans more than a hundred years,” Eldense said in a statement.
Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, has now become the majority owner of a second Spanish club this year after purchasing fifth-tier side UE Cornella in April.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR ELDENSE
Founded in 1921, Eldense see Messi’s arrival as the beginning of a long-term project aimed at strengthening the club on and off the pitch.
The club said the focus will be on its sporting, institutional, and social development while preserving its roots and blue-and-maroon identity.
Eldense are currently fighting to stay in Spain’s second tier. They sit 19th in the Segunda Division after losing four of their first seven matches and will hope the change in ownership can provide a boost.
Messi’s investment, however, will not necessarily lead to big spending in the transfer market. Spain’s strict salary-limit rules place significant restrictions on clubs’ spending, meaning Eldense will have to work within the financial regulations.
MESSI EXPANDS FOOTBALL OWNERSHIP PORTFOLIO
Messi’s purchase of Eldense comes less than six months after he acquired Cornella. The fifth-tier club are known for their work in grassroots and youth football, with several players from their academy having gone on to join Barcelona.
He is also among a growing number of high-profile footballers to become involved in club ownership.
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique’s Kosmos group owns Andorra, who also play in Spain’s second tier. Real Madrid forwards Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe are part of investment groups that hold majority stakes in Portuguese club Alverca and French side SM Caen respectively.
Messi is also set to receive a stake in Inter Miami after his playing contract with the Major League Soccer club expires.
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