Argentina star Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, expanding his growing involvement in football ownership.
The proposed takeover, agreed with Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., is still subject to due diligence and approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD). The transaction has not yet been formally completed.
Eldense, based in Elda in Alicante, is currently competing in Spain’s Segunda División and has established itself as a regular second-tier side in recent seasons. The club has, however, endured a difficult start to the 2026-27 campaign, collecting just two points from its opening four matches.
The poor run led to the dismissal of coach Claudio Barragán after defeats to Almería and Leganés and draws against Cádiz and Mallorca.
TH Soluciones Group, led by Colombian businessman Juan Carlos Trujillo, took control of Eldense in October 2025 after acquiring the club from Pascual Pérez.
Messi’s representatives have since negotiated the purchase of the Colombian group’s entire stake, with reports in Spain indicating that the finalisation of the deal is expected once the necessary legal and regulatory procedures are completed.
The move would make Eldense the second Spanish club to enter Messi’s football investment portfolio.
Earlier in 2026, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acquired fifth-tier side UE Cornellà, which competes in the Tercera Federación.
Messi remains an active player with Inter Miami, having extended his contract with the Major League Soccer club through the 2028 season.
Messi is also expected to acquire a stake in Inter Miami once his current playing contract comes to an end, further strengthening his position in football ownership.
For now, however, the Eldense transaction remains an agreement in principle rather than a completed acquisition.