Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to take over Spanish second-tier outfit CD Eldense, signaling another ambitious stride in the veteran forward's transition toward global sports ownership. The prospective transaction, which was officially confirmed by the club, positions one of the most decorated figures in football history to become the controlling stakeholder of the Segunda División team.
The formal transaction is currently entering its concluding phases, although several vital regulatory checkpoints must still be completed before the handover is finalized. According to official statements provided by Eldense, the execution of the sale is contingent upon finishing final contractual paperwork, completing thorough due diligence reviews, and securing formal authorization from Spain’s governing sports authority, the High Council for Sports (CSD).
Under the terms being finalized, the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward is slated to purchase the entire 100 percent equity holding currently controlled by TH Soluciones Group SAS. The Colombian investment conglomerate currently serves as the majority shareholder of the Spanish club, having initially assumed control of the organization in October of last year.
The swift transfer of equity from TH Soluciones Group SAS to Messi marks a notable shift in leadership for the club. Despite the Colombian investment entity taking charge less than a year ago, the impending agreement with the Argentine international is set to place full administrative and institutional control of the organization into Messi's hands.
Should the takeover successfully conclude, Eldense will represent the second Spanish football team to enter Messi's personal investment portfolio. Earlier this year, on April 16, the forward finalized the purchase of UE Cornella, an outfit competing in the fifth tier of the Spanish football pyramid. Securing Eldense elevates his ownership presence directly into Spain's professional league structure.
Messi’s calculated moves in the Spanish market underscore an enduring commercial and sporting tie to the country where he spent the vast majority of his storied career. By acquiring stakes in both UE Cornella and CD Eldense, the Argentine forward is assembling a multi-club footprint spanning distinct tiers of the domestic football hierarchy.
In addition to his expanding portfolio in European football, Messi is also positioned to take on significant executive ownership in North America. Under the provisions of his current sporting arrangement with Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami, the veteran attacker is designated to receive an equity stake in the club following the conclusion of his active playing contract.
On the pitch, CD Eldense finds itself navigating a demanding competitive environment while the ownership transition takes shape. The team currently occupies 20th place in the Segunda División table, meaning any incoming leadership will confront the immediate sporting challenge of steadying results and ensuring survival in a fiercely contested division.
The club’s presence in the professional second tier reflects a remarkable climb through the ranks over recent years. Eldense spent long stretches competing throughout Spain’s regional leagues before achieving a succession of positive campaigns that ultimately elevated the team into the Segunda División.
The timeline for finalizing the Eldense acquisition remains flexible, despite significant momentum surrounding the negotiations. Although reports emerging across Spanish sports outlets on Tuesday indicated that the transaction could be formally wrapped up within the coming days, club officials have stated that they cannot yet establish a fixed date for the final signing.
A critical element influencing the timing of the deal is the mandatory authorization required from the High Council for Sports. As the governing body responsible for overseeing the administrative and financial integrity of Spanish athletics, the CSD must review and validate the structural legitimacy of major ownership transfers across the country's professional leagues.
The comprehensive due diligence process referenced by Eldense guarantees that all operational commitments, contractual obligations, and financial assets linked to the tenure of TH Soluciones Group SAS are fully reviewed. Only after these standard legal verifications are satisfied will binding agreements be formally executed between the Colombian group and Messi’s representation.
At 39 years of age, Messi continues to balance active competition on the field with an expanding footprint in club management and sports enterprise. His dual status as an active MLS player and an emerging multi-club owner underscores a deliberate long-term vision aimed at retaining an influential role within world football beyond his eventual retirement.
For Eldense and their supporters, the arrival of such a prominent global figure as the sole majority owner brings unprecedented international visibility. As the final regulatory steps and contractual procedures move toward completion, the focus will soon turn to how Messi’s leadership shapes the future trajectory and competitive ambitions of the Spanish club.
Comments (0)