Lionel Messi set to buy Spanish second-division club Eldense

Superstar footballer Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the new owner of second-division Spanish side Eldense.

Messi is set to acquire the shares currently held by Colombian investment group Grupo TH, making him the club’s majority shareholder.

According to Mail Online, the deal is expected to be finalised in the coming days once the final legal and contractual procedures are completed and it has received approval from Spain’s High Council for Sport (CSD).

The Valencia-based outfit were promoted to the second division at the end of last season and have faced a difficult start to their campaign, picking up two points in the opening four games. Their coach Claudio Barragan was sacked earlier this week, leaving the club without a manager.

Messi’s acquisition of Eldense marks the latest venture in the 39-year-old Argentinian star’s growing football empire.

A few months ago, Messi purchased a 100 per cent stake in another Spanish side, UE Cornella, a semi-professional outfit located on the outskirts of Barcelona.

UE Cornella, founded in 1951, plays in Spain’s fifth tier, and the club said Messi’s arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in its history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations and continuing to invest in talent.

They added: ‘The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots.’

Messi also co-owns Uruguay side Deportivo LSM alongside Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez. He also holds a direct equity option in his MLS team, Inter Miami, which allows him to buy a partial ownership stake in the club after his playing career ends.