Lionel Messi plans new leadership structure after buying Deportivo Eldense

Lionel Messi is considering a new management structure for Deportivo Eldense after completing an agreement to buy the Spanish club, although the deal still requires approval from Spain’s Consejo Superior de Deportes.

The Inter Miami captain is weighing the appointment of senior figures he trusts to oversee Eldense, according to Spanish newspaper Sport. Among the candidates being considered for prominent executive positions are Pablo Garcia Montanes and Alfonso Nebot, according to information obtained by a Spanish news agency.

Garcia Montanes has developed his professional career across institutions and companies including Bankinter, Deloitte and Andorra Banc Agricol Reig. Since May, he has also been associated with the management team of Unio Esportiva Cornella, the Catalan club Messi acquired in April.

Nebot is another figure regarded as being among Messi’s most trusted associates. He is a member of the board of Andbank and, since 2009, has been director of the Messi family wealth-management office.

In that role, Nebot oversees the management of the Argentine forward’s wealth and financial assets, making him a central figure in Messi’s business affairs.

Messi’s purchase of Deportivo Eldense means the club is set for a change in its administrative leadership, subject to authorisation from Spain’s top sports authority. The proposed appointments would place figures with established experience in finance, business and wealth management in key positions at the club.

Eldense manager Javier Calleja said several days ago that the coaching staff and players remain in constant contact with the club’s new administration.

The club’s sporting and technical operations therefore continue to be conducted alongside discussions over the structure that will lead Eldense under Messi’s ownership.