{
  "id": 11263002,
  "title": "Lionel Messi becomes owner of Spanish second-tier club Eldense",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/lionel-messi-becomes-owner-of-spanish-second-tier-club-eldense",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T19:10:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/lionel-messi-becomes-owner-of-spanish-second-tier-club-eldense-1.500695453"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has officially taken ownership of Spanish second-tier club Eldense, the Argentine star announced on Thursday. The club, situated inland from Alicante, marks Messi's second foray into Spanish football ownership, following his April purchase of Cornella near Barcelona. Eldense's management confirmed his acquisition through an online statement. Founded in 1921, the club now sets its sights on strengthening its position and advancing in professional football with Messi by their side. At 39 years old, Messi has been playing for Inter Miami since 2023, with his contract reportedly containing a clause allowing him to become a shareholder at the MLS club post-retirement. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner officially retired from international football in late August after Spain's 2026 World Cup final loss to France.",
  "summary": "Messi finalises acquisition of second Spanish lower league club",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}