Messi set to become majority shareholder at Spanish second-division club Eldense

Lionel Messi is poised to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division club Eldense. The club, based near Alicante, announced to The Associated Press that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has reached a preliminary agreement with Eldense's owners. Messi will acquire the shares held by Grupo TH Soluciones, pending the completion of legal and contractual procedures.

Eldense has not disclosed financial details or a timeline for the deal. This marks Messi's second investment in a Spanish club; he previously became the owner of UE Cornella, a fifth-division team based in Barcelona. Eldense, founded in 1921 by supporters of Barcelona, has historical ties with the Catalan club and sports blue and red colors.

Messi, who arrived in Spain at age 13 to join Barcelona's youth academy, has built a strong connection with the nation. He guided Argentina to a runner-up finish at the 2022 World Cup and won the MLS Cup with Inter Miami in 2021.