Lionel Messi is reportedly closing in on a deal to acquire Spanish second-tier side Eldense, with the Inter Miami forward reaching a preliminary agreement for the proposed takeover, according to reports
The proposed transaction remains subject to due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council, ESPN reported on Tuesday, citing a source familiar with the negotiations.
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 eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acquired fifth-tier side Cornella, based in Barcelona, in April 2026. The semi-professional club has produced notable players, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba.
However, the Eldense deal would represent Messi’s first investment in a professional Spanish club.
The Argentine superstar is also involved, alongside his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez, in Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM.
Eldense and Cornella are currently separated by three divisions, meaning Messi’s ownership of both clubs is unlikely to create an immediate conflict.
However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) could prevent both teams from competing in the same division should Messi become the majority shareholder of the two clubs.
Founded in 1921, Eldense have spent most of their history outside Spain’s top two divisions. The club returned to the second tier in 2023 for the first time since 1964, but were relegated in 2025 before securing promotion back to the division this summer.
Eldense have endured a difficult start to the 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.
Eldense currently play their home matches at the 5,776-capacity Nuevo Pepico Amat Stadium in Elda, where Messi’s proposed ownership could mark a new chapter for the club as it seeks to establish itself in Spain’s professional football landscape.
