Lionel Messi has agreed in principle to acquire shares in Spanish second-division club Eldense, putting his ownership plans alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s 25% stake in Almería. If completed, the deal will give Messi control of a second club in Spain after his purchase of Cornellà earlier in 2026.
Eldense confirmed the agreement with Messi for the shares held by Colombian investment group Grupo TH Soluciones. The transaction still requires legal and contractual procedures, due diligence and approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD). Financial terms and the completion date have not been announced.
Based in Elda, Alicante, Eldense currently sit 20th in the Segunda División with two points from four matches. The club have also parted ways with coach Claudio Barragán after their poor start to the season.
The side returned to Spain’s second division in 2023 and have competed at that level in three of the past four seasons. Before that period, the club spent several years in Spain’s lower divisions.
Messi acquired Cornellà in April 2026, giving him ownership of a Catalan club competing in the fifth tier. The club’s youth system has links to professional football, while its position places it well below Eldense in the Spanish league structure.
Messi continues to play for Inter Miami while pursuing club ownership. Reports have also linked him to a future stake in the Major League Soccer club after his playing contract expires. Spain’s salary-cap rules will restrict Eldense’s spending on player recruitment if the takeover goes through.
Ronaldo acquired 25% of Almería through CR7 Sports Investments in February 2026. The Portuguese forward joined an ownership group led by Saudi businessman Mohamed Al Khereiji, while Almería compete in the same division as Eldense.
The ownership difference gives Messi a larger stake if his Eldense purchase receives approval. Ronaldo holds a minority position at Almería, while Messi’s deal covers the shares held by Grupo TH Soluciones and is expected to give him control of the club.
Messi’s move into club ownership comes after he ended his Argentina international career following the 2026 World Cup final. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain, with Messi finishing his international career as the team’s record appearance holder with 207 caps and leading scorer with 125 goals.
Messi also won two Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. His proposed Eldense ownership would now give him a controlling position in Spain’s professional football system alongside his existing Cornellà interest.
