{
  "id": 6571164,
  "title": "Lionel Messi reaches ‘preliminary agreement’ to buy Spanish second-tier club Eldense",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/lionel-messi-reaches-preliminary-agreement-to-buy-spanish-second-tier",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T10:06:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/sports/messi-eldense/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi has agreed to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division club Eldense, according to a preliminary agreement. The purchase involves shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones. However, the deal is contingent on completing legal and regulatory procedures, including a review by Spain's National Sports Council. This marks Messi's second investment in a Spanish football club, following his acquisition of Cornellà this year. Messi's growing portfolio of Spanish teams may prompt regulatory scrutiny if both clubs reach the same division. Eldense currently sits at the bottom of La Liga 2, having scored only two points from their opening four matches. The club's decision to part ways with head coach Claudio Barragán highlights the challenges faced by teams in this division. Messi's investment will elevate Eldense's profile globally, as the club was founded by Barcelona supporters. Messi's move places him alongside former rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who owns a 25% stake in Almería. Both teams compete in the same division this season, creating an interesting off-pitch connection between the two football icons. This investment reflects the growing trend of elite athletes expanding their football ownership portfolios while balancing commercial growth with maintaining sporting integrity.",
  "summary": "By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent Lionel Messi continues to deepen his ties to the nation where his professional journey began. The Inter Miami forward has reached a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division side Eldense. The acquisition will see him purchase shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones. The […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Messi agrees to become majority shareholder of Eldense.",
    "Deal contingent on legal and regulatory procedures.",
    "Messi's investment elevates Eldense's global profile."
  ],
  "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."
}