Messi completes purchase of second Spanish club

What the report says

Lionel Messi has completed the purchase of Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, according to BBC Sport Football. The club said the move marks the start of a new chapter, although the deal is still subject to regulatory approval. BBC reported that this is Messi’s second investment in a Spanish club, following his purchase of Catalan side Cornella in April.

CD Eldense are currently 19th in the 22-team second division, with one win and five points from their first seven matches. The Alicante-based club said Messi’s arrival signals a long-term project focused on sporting, institutional and social growth. Messi had previously reached a preliminary agreement to become the majority shareholder in September, with the process now reported as complete.

The BBC placed the move in the wider context of Messi’s career. The 39-year-old, who now plays for Inter Miami, won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. He rose through Barcelona’s academy after moving to Spain as a child, later becoming the club’s record scorer before leaving Europe for Paris Saint-Germain and then Major League Soccer. The report also noted that Cristiano Ronaldo recently bought a stake in Spanish club Almeria, highlighting a broader trend of high-profile players investing in clubs.