Messi completes purchase of second Spanish club

Lionel Messi has finalized his acquisition of Spanish second-tier football club CD Eldense. This deal, pending regulatory clearance, makes Messi the second Argentine footballer to invest in a Spanish club, after purchasing Catalan side Cornellà in April. A statement from CD Eldense announced the acquisition, heralding a new era for the club with a heritage spanning over a century.

Eldense currently sit in 19th position in a 22-team league, having earned five points from their first seven games with just one win. The Argentine forward, a key player for American MLS side Inter Miami, announced his international retirement in August. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, had reached a preliminary agreement to become Eldense's majority shareholder in September, and the process has now been concluded.

CD Eldense's statement highlighted that Messi's ownership marks the start of a long-term plan focusing on the club's sporting, institutional, and social growth. Messi's journey to Spain began at 13, where he made his debut for Barcelona in October 2004. His illustrious career includes a record 672 goals in 778 matches before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, and joining Inter Miami in the United States in 2023.

Notably, Messi's former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 25% stake in Spanish club Almería in February.