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Messi Agrees to Buy Second Spanish Club
Confirmed
In Short: Lionel Messi is set to become the majority owner of Spanish second-division side CD Eldense, according to reports.
Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the new owner of Spanish second-division side CD Eldense, the club has confirmed. The deal, which is currently subject to legal and contractual procedures, would make Messi the sole owner of the club, potentially putting him in the same league as former rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who owns a stake in Almeria.
This move follows Messi's purchase of fifth-tier UE Cornella in April, further cementing his ties to Spanish football. Eldense, based in Alicante, have risen to the second tier of Spanish football after years spent in the regional divisions. The club is currently 20th in La Liga 2 with two points from four games this season.
According to reports, Messi is also set to receive a stake in his current club, Inter Miami, after the expiry of his playing contract. The club, who were founded by former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star Messi, have seen him score a club record 672 goals in 778 games.
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). Eldense parted ways with head coach Claudio Barragan earlier this week.
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
- Cornella are in the fifth tier of Spanish football and in April said Messi's ownership "reinforces his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia".
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- The club said the move was linked to Messi's long-standing connection with Barcelona and his interest in developing local football talent.
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could soon find themselves competing in Spanish football again, but this time from the owners' box rather than the pitch.