Lionel Messi and CD Eldense
1 October 2026
Lionel Messi has completed his purchase of Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition makes Eldense the second Spanish club owned by the former Barcelona forward following his investment in Cornella earlier this year.
Messi had reached a preliminary agreement to become Eldense’s majority shareholder in September. The Alicante club described the takeover as the start of a long-term sporting and institutional project while it sits 19th in Spain’s 22-team second division.