Lionel Messi reaches agreement to take majority stake in Spanish club Eldense

Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement with the owners of Spanish club Eldense to acquire a majority stake, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The proposed takeover would make Eldense the first professional club in Spain owned by the Argentina international. Messi acquired a stake in Unio Esportiva Cornella several months ago, but Eldense would represent his first ownership of a professional Spanish club if the latest deal is completed.

Eldense currently compete in Spain’s Segunda Division, although they have endured a difficult start to the season. The club have collected only two points so far, leaving them struggling during the opening stages of the campaign.

The agreement is expected to be finalised in the coming days, once the remaining legal and contractual requirements have been completed. Those procedures include a comprehensive review of Eldense’s financial and legal situation.

The takeover must also receive the necessary approvals from Spain’s Higher Sports Council, known as the Consejo Superior de Deportes. The authority’s approval is required before the transaction can be formally completed.

No final completion has yet been announced, with the outstanding checks and regulatory procedures still to be concluded. The preliminary agreement nevertheless places Messi on course to expand his involvement in Spanish football beyond his playing career.

If the acquisition goes through, Messi will begin a new chapter in Spain, this time as an investor and club owner rather than as a footballer. He spent many years playing in Spanish football before moving into club ownership.

Eldense’s current position in the second tier and their early-season results are part of the background to the proposed deal. The club’s immediate sporting situation remains challenging, with only two points secured to date, while the ownership process continues separately through the legal, financial and regulatory stages.

The transaction would mark a significant development in Messi’s relationship with Spanish football. His previous acquisition of a stake in Unio Esportiva Cornella had already indicated an interest in club investment, but a completed majority takeover of Eldense would give him control of a side competing in Spain’s professional league system.

For now, the agreement remains preliminary. The parties must complete the review of the club’s finances and legal affairs, finalise the outstanding contractual steps and obtain the required authorisation from the Consejo Superior de Deportes before Messi can officially become Eldense’s majority owner.