Lionel Messi has been confirmed as the new owner of Spanish football club CD Eldense, marking another major step in the Argentine superstar’s growing involvement in football ownership and business.
CD Eldense officially announced on Thursday that Messi has completed the acquisition of the club, with the former Barcelona and Argentina captain now set to oversee the next phase of its development.
The move makes Eldense the second Spanish club to come under Messi’s ownership after he previously became an owner of UE Cornellà.
The acquisition is expected to bring increased international attention to Eldense as the club looks to strengthen its sporting, institutional and commercial ambitions.
Founded in 1921, CD Eldense has more than a century of history and enters the new ownership era with ambitions of consolidating its position in professional football while maintaining its traditional blue-and-red identity.
The club described Messi’s arrival as the beginning of a long-term project focused on sporting, institutional and social development.
CD Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the club by Leo Messi, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the institution’s more than 100-year history
the club said in its statement.
“The arrival of one of the most important figures in the history of sport as owner of CD Eldense in Spanish professional football marks the beginning of a long-term project aimed at promoting the sporting, institutional and social development of CD Eldense.”
Eldense also stressed the importance of preserving its history and identity while continuing to grow within Spanish professional football.
Founded in 1921, CD Eldense enters this new chapter with the ambition of consolidating its position and growing in professional football, while also showcasing its roots, history and blue-and-red identity.
The transaction, however, remains subject to the necessary regulatory approval.
The transaction is pending the required authorization from the CSD under the terms established by the Sports Law
the club added.
Messi’s latest investment comes as he continues to expand his influence away from the pitch following an extraordinary playing career with Barcelona, Argentina and his current club Inter Miami.
Meanwhile, Messi’s connection with Spanish football is set to continue in another capacity, with Argentina preparing to reserve the iconic No. 10 shirt for their captain during the upcoming international matches.
The Argentine Football Association is expected to keep the shirt vacant until Messi officially says farewell to the national team. He is expected to wear the No. 10 again when Argentina face Benin at the Monumental on October 6.
The decision means Argentina could continue to leave the legendary shirt exclusively associated with Messi until his international career officially comes to an end. After his final appearance, the No. 10 could then be handed to a new generation as Argentina begin a new era from 2027.
Messi’s move into club ownership therefore adds another chapter to his post-playing career, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner now building a growing presence within Spanish football beyond his historic playing days.
