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Messi Agrees to Buy Second Spanish Club CD Eldense
Confirmed
In Short: Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the new owner of Spanish second-division side CD Eldense, making him the second Spanish club owner after his purchase of fifth-tier UE Cornella in April.
Lionel Messi is set to become the new owner of Spanish second-division side CD Eldense, according to reports. The deal, which is currently subject to legal and contractual procedures, would make Messi the second Spanish club owner after his purchase of fifth-tier UE Cornella in April. Eldense, based in Alicante, have risen to the second tier of Spanish football and are currently 20th in La Liga 2. The club's move is linked to Messi's long-standing connection with Barcelona and his interest in developing local football talent.
The transaction is expected to give Messi control of a professional Spanish club while he remains an active player with Inter Miami. Eldense will become the second Spanish club Messi has invested in, following his purchase of Catalan side Cornella in April. The club, who play in the fifth tier of Spain’s football pyramid, have a reputation for success in grassroots and youth football, with many graduates from their academy going on to join Messi’s former club Barcelona.
According to reports, the club parted ways with head coach Claudio Barragan earlier this week, and the transaction is currently subject to the completion of the remaining legal and contractual procedures, including the due diligence process, as well as the required authorization from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD).
CD Eldense will not be Messi's first investment in Spanish football. He previously purchased fifth-tier UE Cornella in April, a club that has a strong connection to Barcelona and a focus on developing local talent. Messi's move is part of a growing trend of big names in Spanish football becoming club owners, with Cristiano Ronaldo also investing in Spanish side Almeria.
What's confirmed
- Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the new owner of Spanish second-division side CD Eldense, the club has confirmed.
What's still developing
- He is also set to receive a stake in his current club Inter Miami after the expiry of his playing contract.
- He went on to score a club record 672 goals in 778 games before he left for French club Paris St-Germain in 2021 prior to joining Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in the United States in 2023.
- Messi's former Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, bought a 25% stake in Spanish side Almeria in February.
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