Lionel Messi has completed the acquisition of Spanish second-tier club Eldense, pending regulatory approval, the club announced on Thursday.
The 39-year-old Messi has now become the majority owner of a second Spanish club this year after acquiring UE Cornella in April.
The former Argentina and Barcelona forward agreed last month to buy all of Eldense’s shares held by a Colombian investment group, which previously held the majority stake.
“Club Deportivo Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the club by Leo Messi, marking the start of a new and exciting chapter in the club’s history, which spans more than a hundred years,” Eldense said on its website.
Founded in 1921, Eldense currently compete in Spain’s Segunda Division. The club sit 19th after seven matches, with four defeats, and face a battle to avoid relegation.
Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, has therefore expanded his involvement in Spanish football beyond his playing career.
The Eldense acquisition also follows his move for Cornella earlier this year. Messi’s latest investment gives him ownership interests in two Spanish clubs while he continues his career in Major League Soccer.
The deal remains subject to regulatory approval before the acquisition becomes fully effective.
For Eldense, the immediate challenge remains on the pitch. Their difficult start has left them near the bottom of the Segunda Division, with the club now hoping the change in ownership can help provide stability as they fight to stay in the division.
