Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire Spanish second-tier club Eldense, in a move that could further expand the football ownership portfolio of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The proposed deal is subject to due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council, according to ESPN, which cited a source familiar with the agreement.
Eldense are currently owned by Colombian investment group Grupo TH, which also has interests in football clubs in Colombia and Switzerland.
If the transaction is completed, Eldense would become the second Spanish club to come under Messi’s ownership.
The Argentine star acquired fifth-tier side Cornella, based in Barcelona, in April 2026. The club has produced notable players including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba.
However, the Eldense investment would represent a significant step up for Messi, as it would mark his first ownership of a professional Spanish football club. Cornella currently operates at the semi-professional level.
Messi is also involved in Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside his former Barcelona and current Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suárez.
The potential ownership of both Eldense and Cornella is not expected to create an immediate regulatory issue because the clubs are currently three divisions apart.
However, Spanish football authorities could intervene if the two clubs eventually find themselves competing in the same division. The Royal Spanish Football Federation would be unlikely to permit both clubs to participate in the same division if Messi becomes the majority owner of both.
Founded in 1921, Eldense have spent much of their history outside Spain’s top two divisions.
The club returned to the Segunda División in 2023 for the first time since 1964 but were relegated in 2025. They secured promotion back to the second tier this summer.
Eldense have endured a difficult start to their current campaign, failing to win any of their opening four matches. The poor run led to the dismissal of coach Claudio Barragán earlier this week, leaving the club without a manager.
The club play their home matches at the Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium in Elda, which has a capacity of 5,776.
For Messi, the proposed acquisition represents another move beyond his playing career, as the 39-year-old continues to build an interest in football club ownership and investment.