Lionel Messi takes ownership of Spanish second‑tier club CD Eldense

Lionel Messi has officially completed the purchase of CD Eldense, a Spanish club that competes in the Segunda División, the country’s second tier of professional football.

CD Eldense, based in the city of Elda, has spent most of its recent history in the lower leagues but achieved promotion to the Segunda División for the first time in its history a few seasons ago. The club’s modest stadium and limited resources have made it a small but passionate part of Spanish football.

For Messi, the acquisition comes after a long career that began at Barcelona, a brief stint in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, and a return to Barcelona before finally leaving the club in 2024. The move to club ownership allows him to stay involved in the sport while exploring new opportunities.

The Argentine star’s involvement is expected to bring increased visibility, potential investment, and a higher profile to Eldense. While the club’s immediate competitive goals remain promotion to La Liga, the new ownership could help attract better players and improve infrastructure.

Messi has not yet outlined a detailed plan for Eldense, but the club will likely focus on consolidating its position in the Segunda División and building a foundation for future growth. The next season will be crucial as the team adjusts to the changes and sets its sights on achieving higher ambitions under the new ownership.