Messi nears deal to acquire Spanish second-tier club Eldense

Lionel Messi is close to finalizing a deal to purchase Spanish second-tier football club CD Eldense, according to multiple Spanish news sources. The deal, which would see Messi acquire all shares currently held by majority owner TH Soluciones Group SAS, is expected to be announced soon. TH Soluciones, a Colombian investment group, took control of Eldense in October of the previous year.

The acquisition remains pending approval from Spain's High Council for Sports. Prior to Eldense, Messi recently acquired a stake in UE Cornella, a fifth-tier club, and is also set to receive a share in Major League Soccer club Inter Miami after his playing contract with the team concludes.

Eldense, based in the town of Elda in eastern Spain's Alicante province, has primarily played in lower divisions throughout their history. However, recent investments have allowed the club to compete in the second tier for the past three of four seasons. Following a disappointing start to this season, Eldense sacked their manager, Claudio Barragan, on Sunday after earning only two points from their first four league matches, placing them third from the bottom of the table.