Lionel Messi is preparing for a new chapter in Spanish football, but this time away from the pitch, after reaching an agreement in principle to acquire Spanish second-division club Eldense.
The potential takeover represents another major step in Messi's growing involvement in football investment and club ownership.
Messi Reaches Agreement in Principle for Eldense
Messi has reached an agreement in principle to acquire the shares currently held by Eldense's majority shareholder, moving the proposed takeover closer to completion.
The deal is expected to enter its final stages after the remaining legal and contractual procedures are completed.
The transaction still requires a comprehensive review of the club's financial and legal position, as well as the necessary approval from Spain's High Council for Sports.
Eldense Would Become Messi's First Professional Spanish Club
If the acquisition is completed, Eldense would become the first professional Spanish club owned by Lionel Messi.
The move would be different from his previous investment in UE Cornella, which competes in the lower levels of Spanish football.
The potential takeover therefore represents a significant expansion of Messi's football investment portfolio and gives him a more direct role in the management of a professional club.
Why Did Messi Choose Eldense?
Eldense offers Messi an opportunity to invest in a club competing in Spain's second tier, a level that provides considerable room for sporting and commercial development.
The club has worked its way back into the Spanish second division after spending many years in the lower tiers of the football pyramid.
Messi's involvement could bring significant international attention to the club while potentially strengthening its commercial and marketing opportunities.
Eldense Faces a Difficult Start to the Season
The proposed takeover comes at a challenging sporting moment for Eldense.
The club is currently sitting 20th in the Spanish second division after collecting only two points at the start of the campaign.
With no victory so far, the club faces an important sporting challenge alongside the potential change in ownership.
Another Step in Messi's Football Investment Career
The Eldense takeover would represent another stage in Messi's development as an investor outside the football pitch.
After building one of the greatest playing careers in football history with Barcelona and Argentina, the Argentine star has increasingly expanded his involvement in the business side of the sport.
His previous investment in Cornella has already given him a foothold in Spanish football ownership, while Eldense would offer a larger and more demanding professional project.
When Will the Messi-Eldense Deal Be Completed?
There is currently no officially confirmed completion date for the takeover.
The agreement in principle still needs to go through the remaining legal and contractual procedures, including a detailed financial and legal due diligence process.
The transaction is also subject to the required approval from Spain's High Council for Sports.
Once those steps are completed, the ownership transfer can be formally confirmed.
Messi Moves From Making Football History to Building a New Project
The potential Eldense takeover is more than another investment for Lionel Messi. It reflects a gradual transition from global football superstar to an increasingly influential figure in the business and management side of the sport.
If completed, the deal would make Messi the owner of a professional Spanish club and could mark the beginning of a long-term sporting and commercial project.
With Eldense continuing its campaign in Spain's second division, attention will now focus on how Messi's involvement could influence the club both on and off the pitch.
Has Lionel Messi officially bought Eldense?
Messi has reached an agreement in principle, but the takeover still requires legal procedures, due diligence and official approval.
What is Eldense?
Eldense is a Spanish football club competing in the country's second division and based in Elda, Alicante.
Does Messi already own another Spanish club?
Yes. Messi has invested in UE Cornella, which competes in the lower levels of Spanish football.
What is needed to complete the Eldense takeover?
The deal requires final legal and contractual procedures, financial and legal due diligence and the necessary regulatory approval.
How is Eldense performing this season?
Eldense has made a difficult start to the second-division campaign and currently sits 20th with two points.
