Lionel Messi completes takeover of CD Eldense, buys second Spanish club

Lionel Messi has completed the acquisition of Spanish second division club Eldense, subject to regulatory approval, adding another Spanish team to his growing portfolio of football investments.

The 39-year-old giant of Argentina and Barcelona agreed to buy all the shares last month held by a Colombian investment group that was the previous majority shareholder of Eldense. The club confirmed the takeover on Thursday.

“Club Deportivo Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the club by Leo Messi, which marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the club’s history spanning more than a century,” Eldense said in a statement.

Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, became the majority owner of Spain’s second club this year after buying fifth-placed UE Cornell in April.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR ELDENSE

Founded in 1921, Eldense sees Messi’s arrival as the start of a long-term project aimed at strengthening the club on and off the pitch.

The club said the focus would be on its sporting, institutional and social development while preserving its roots and blue-brown identity.

Eldense is currently fighting to stay in the Spanish second tier. They are 19th in the Segunda Division after losing four of their opening seven games and will be hoping a change in ownership can provide a boost.

However, Messi’s investment will not necessarily lead to a big spending spree in the transfer market. Spain’s strict salary cap rules severely restrict clubs’ spending, meaning Eldense will have to work within financial regulations.

MESSI EXPANDS FOOTBALL PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

Messi bought Eldens less than six months after acquiring Cornell. The fifth club are known for their work in local and youth football, with several players from their academy moving to Barcelona.

They are also among a growing number of high-profile footballers who are getting involved in club ownership.

Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique’s Kosmos group own Andorra, which also plays in Spain’s second tier. Real Madrid forwards Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe are part of investment groups that hold majority stakes in Portuguese club Alverca and French side SM Caen.

Messi is also set to acquire a stake in Inter Miami after his playing contract with the Major League Soccer club expires.

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