Lionel Messi agrees deal to take over Spanish second-tier club Eldense

Lionel Messi has agreed in principle to become the majority owner of Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The agreement would give the Argentina icon his second ownership interest in Spanish football. Messi bought fourth-tier Cornella in April, and would now take control of Eldense, who are based inland from Alicante.

The proposed transaction involves the acquisition of the shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones, Eldense’s existing owners. However, the deal has not yet been completed and remains subject to legal, contractual and regulatory procedures.

“CD Eldense can confirm that Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle with the club’s current owners to acquire the shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would make him the majority shareholder of CD Eldense,” the club told AFP.

The process includes due diligence and requires authorisation from the Spanish Sports Council (CSD). Eldense said it was not yet able to disclose the financial terms or give a final completion date.

“At this time, the transaction is pending completion of the final legal and contractual procedures, including the due diligence process, as well as the required authorisation from the Spanish Sports Council (CSD),” the club said.

“For now, the club is unable to provide details on the financial terms of the transaction or set a definitive date for its completion, as the process has not yet been finalised.”

Eldense, which was founded in 1921, said it would issue an official update after all relevant procedures had been completed and the necessary authorisations secured.

“Once the relevant procedures have been completed and the necessary authorizations obtained, CD Eldense will officially report any developments in this regard,” the club added.

Messi, 39, currently plays for Inter Miami. The former Barcelona attacker retired from international duty after Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the World Cup final this summer.