Lionel Messi has agreed in principle to acquire 100 per cent ownership of Spanish Segunda División club CD Eldense, according to reports by ESPN and Reuters. The deal remains subject to due diligence and regulatory approval from Spain's National Sports Council (CSD). The acquisition represents a significant step up in scale for Messi's off-pitch portfolio, moving beyond his existing ownership of fifth-tier Spanish side Cornellà, and sets up a unique executive rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain.
Eldense sporting transition and managerial vacancy
The takeover agreement arrives during a difficult period on the pitch for Eldense. The Alicante-based club recently dismissed manager Claudio Barragán after managing just two points from their opening four matches of the season. The immediate priority for the incoming regime will be appointing a successor to steer the team away from the Segunda División relegation zone. Operating Eldense will require navigating Spain's strict professional league financial controls. While Cornellà remains in the semi-professional regional leagues, Eldense competes in Spain's fully professional second tier, bringing rigorous LaLiga-mandated salary limits and structural requirements.
The Spanish ownership rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo
This takeover adds a new dimension to the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo, who acquired a 25 per cent stake in Almería in February 2026. Speaking on his transition to club investment, Ronaldo told Goal: "If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director or CEO?" Messi's transaction must now satisfy the CSD's strict multi-club ownership criteria to ensure no regulatory conflicts of interest arise within the Spanish league system before the deal can be officially ratified and announced.
