Full Breakdown
Lionel Messi Reaches Preliminary Agreement to Acquire Majority Stake in CD Eldense
9/10/2026, 9:04:23 AM
Core Event
Argentina’s eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, 39, has reached a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder of Spanish Segunda División club CD Eldense. The deal would transfer the shares currently owned by the Colombian investment group Grupo TH Soluciones to Messi, subject to due-diligence, legal procedures and authorisation by Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD). Eldense confirmed the arrangement on Wednesday but did not disclose a timeline or purchase price.
Background & Context
Messi’s first foray into Spanish club ownership came earlier in 2026 when he bought a controlling stake in UE Cornellà, a Catalan side in the fifth tier. In addition to Cornellà, Messi holds interests in Argentine fourth-tier club Leones FC and Uruguayan side Deportivo LSM (co-founded with Luis Suárez). Eldense, founded in 1921 and based in Elda near Alicante, returned to the Segunda in the summer of 2023 after a 59-year absence.
Data & Statistics
- League position: 20th in La Liga 2, two points from four matches.
- Recent performance: No wins in the opening four games; head coach Claudio Barragán was dismissed and interim coach Josep Ferrando has taken over.
- Stadium: Nuevo Pepico Amat, capacity 5,776.
- Ownership history: Grupo TH Soluciones became majority owner in October 2023; the group also holds clubs in Colombia and Switzerland.
Official Statements & Responses
Elda’s mayor, Rubén Alfaro, said Messi’s interest “is, obviously, spectacular news” for the city.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At this time, the operation is pending completion of the final legal and contractual procedures, including the corresponding due diligence process, as well as the mandatory authorisation from the High Council for Sports (CSD),” — Eldense
- “A preliminary agreement has been reached with Lionel Messi for the acquisition of the shares currently owned by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would make him the club's majority shareholder.” — Eldense
Why It Matters / Impact
Messi’s prospective ownership marks the first time the former Barcelona star will control a fully professional Spanish club. Unlike Cornellà, which remains semi-professional, Eldense competes in the second tier, giving Messi a platform to influence a higher-level operation. The move also reflects a broader trend of elite players entering club ownership; Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 25 % stake in Segunda side Almería earlier this year. If the acquisition proceeds, Messi will need to navigate federation rules that prevent two clubs under common majority ownership from competing in the same division.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree the deal is pending CSD approval, but no definitive completion date is provided. Financial terms remain undisclosed, and it is unclear whether Messi will take an active managerial role or remain a passive owner.
What’s Next
The agreement will move forward once Eldense completes its due-diligence audit and obtains CSD authorisation. No specific deadline has been announced.
