Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to take over Spanish second-tier club Eldense, in what could mark his first investment in a professional football club in Spain.
The proposed deal is still subject to due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council, according to a report by ESPN on Tuesday, which cited a source familiar with the development.
Eldense are currently owned by Colombian investment group Grupo TH, which also has football interests in Colombia and Switzerland.
If the transaction is completed, Eldense would become the second Spanish club linked to Messi’s ownership portfolio.
Messi reportedly acquired Barcelona-based fifth-tier club Cornella in April 2026. The semi-professional side has previously produced notable players, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba.
However, the potential Eldense takeover would represent a different level of investment for Messi because the club competes in Spain’s professional football structure, while Cornella remain a semi-professional team.
Messi, 39, is also involved in Uruguayan football alongside his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez through Deportivo LSM.
Ownership Could Create Future Competition Issues
Eldense and Cornella are currently separated by three divisions, meaning Messi’s involvement with both clubs would not immediately create a competition issue.
However, the ownership situation could become more complicated if both teams eventually reach the same division. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is unlikely to permit two clubs competing in the same division to have the same majority owner.
Eldense, founded in 1921, have spent much of their history outside Spain’s top two divisions.
The club returned to the Segunda División in 2023 for the first time since 1964, but their stay lasted only two seasons before relegation in 2025. They secured a return to the second tier this summer.
.
advertisement
Their latest campaign has started poorly, with Eldense failing to win any of their opening four matches.
The poor run led to the dismissal of coach Claudio Barragán earlier this week, leaving the club without a permanent manager as discussions over the proposed ownership change continue.
Eldense play their home matches at the Nuevo Pepico Amat in Elda, a stadium with a capacity of 5,776 spectators.
For Messi, a completed takeover would further expand his involvement in football beyond his playing career and strengthen his growing presence in club ownership.