Messi closes in on takeover of Spanish second-division club
Argentine superstar reaches preliminary agreement to acquire Eldense on the eastern Mediterranean, expanding his growing portfolio of football and business investments. Leer más
Lionel Messi is reportedly close to acquiring a Spanish second-division football club named Eldense, according to local media. The Argentine football star has reached an agreement to take ownership of 100 percent of the club's shares, though the deal is still awaiting regulatory approval. Spanish news agency EFE reported that a final agreement is expected within days.
Eldense, a 105-year-old club based in Alicante, would be the second Spanish club Messi has acquired this year, the first to participate in a professional league. The previous deal was with fifth-tier Unió Esportiva Cornellà, which Messi reportedly owned outright. Messi's acquisition of Eldense would further expand his growing football portfolio and business interests.
The club, currently in the 20th position in Spain's second division, has a long history of playing in lower divisions and came close to bankruptcy over the turn of the century. The deal would contribute to the growing trend of investors showing interest in Spain's second division, which is composed of both historical top-flight clubs and recently relegated teams with strong infrastructure and fan bases.
Messi's recent investments, including stakes in a Spanish real estate investment trust, a US venture capital fund, an Argentine restaurant chain, and a stake in Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM, highlight his diversified financial interests.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
