Lionel Messi celebrates first win as CD Eldense owner after 4-1 victory

Lionel Messi has recorded his first victory in Spain as the owner of a club other than former side Barcelona, after CD Eldense beat Real Oviedo 4-1 in the Segunda Division.

The Argentina international, who is currently captain of Inter Miami, became the outright owner of the Spanish second-tier club on Thursday, when the Alicante-based side announced that he had acquired 100% of its ownership.

The deal represents a historic change for CD Eldense, which was founded in 1921 and has more than a century of history. It also begins a new chapter for the club under the leadership of one of football’s most successful players.

About 24 hours after the takeover was officially announced, Messi posted a picture on his Instagram story showing him following CD Eldense’s first match under his ownership on a laptop.

The result provided an immediate boost, with CD Eldense securing a convincing win against Real Oviedo, who were recently relegated from La Liga, in the eighth round of the season.

It was only CD Eldense’s second victory of the current Segunda Division campaign. The club have also drawn two matches and lost four, leaving them 15th in the table with eight points.

Messi’s new club now hope the change in ownership can help them improve their position and eventually compete for promotion to La Liga, the division in which the Argentine enjoyed most of his success with Barcelona.

However, CD Eldense face a substantial gap to the leading sides. Castellon sit top of the table with 19 points, while Eibar are second on 18. Despite that difference, the Alicante club’s ambition is to recover from their difficult start and pursue what would be a historic promotion to Spain’s top flight.