Lionel Messi becomes sole owner of Spanish club CD Eldense

Football superstar Lionel Messi has acquired 100% ownership of Spanish Second Division club CD Eldense, making him the sole proprietor, the club announced on Friday, October 2, 2026.The acquisition, which sees Messi take full control of the century-old club, is pending formal approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports, the country’s supreme sports regulatory body.CD Eldense, based in Alicante, stated on its official website that Messi’s arrival marks a new and exciting chapter in the club’s history. The club aims to promote its sporting, institutional, and social development under Messi’s ownership. A preliminary agreement for Messi to become the main shareholder was reached in September.Currently, CD Eldense is in the 22-team Spanish Second Division, sitting 19th with five points from seven matches, having secured only one win so far this season.This marks Messi’s second investment in a Spanish club, following his acquisition of Catalan club Cornellà in April 2026.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner currently plays professional football for American Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami. Messi announced his retirement from international football in late August or early September 2026, shortly after leading Argentina to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they were defeated by Spain. His decision to retire from international play followed the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8, 2026.Messi debuted for Barcelona’s senior team in 2004 at the age of 17, scoring a record 672 goals in 778 appearances for the club. He left Barcelona in 2021 for French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before moving to Inter Miami in 2023.The trend of veteran players investing in Spanish clubs is growing. Messi’s former rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, also acquired a 25% stake in another Spanish Second Division club, Almería, through his sports venture CR7 Sports Investment in February 2026.The financial details of Messi’s acquisition of CD Eldense, including the purchase price, have not been disclosed. The exact date for the formal approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports remains unconfirmed.