Lionel Messi has taken another step into Spanish football ownership, this time securing a majority stake in CD Eldense, a Segunda División club based just inland from Alicante. The announcement, confirmed by the club on Thursday, cements Messi’s position as a prominent figure in the country’s lower leagues, where he has already established a presence through his purchase of Cornella in April.
Founded in 1921, Eldense represents a club with deep roots in the Alicante region, and its new ownership brings a level of prestige and financial backing that could accelerate its ambitions. The club’s statement emphasized its commitment to ‘consolidating their position and growing in professional football,’ a goal that aligns with Messi’s broader strategy of investing in clubs with potential for development. While details of the financial terms remain undisclosed, the acquisition follows a pattern of Messi’s recent business ventures, where he has prioritized clubs with a clear path to progression rather than established powerhouses.
Messi’s involvement in Spanish football extends beyond ownership, as his earlier purchase of Cornella—located near Barcelona—highlighted his interest in nurturing talent and infrastructure. Eldense, however, presents a distinct opportunity given its geographic proximity to Alicante, a region with a rich footballing tradition. The move could also serve as a strategic stepping stone, allowing Messi to further expand his network within Spanish football while maintaining his primary focus on Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
The timing of this acquisition is particularly notable, coming as Messi approaches the latter stages of his playing career. While his contract with Inter Miami includes provisions for future shareholder involvement, his ownership stakes in Spanish clubs suggest a deliberate effort to leave a lasting legacy beyond his playing days. Whether through player development, stadium upgrades, or tactical mentorship, Messi’s presence in Eldense will undoubtedly draw attention to the club’s ambitions—and to the broader question of how his business acumen will shape the future of Spanish football’s lower divisions.
