Lionel Messi Buys CD Eldense
Lionel Messi has completed his takeover of CD Eldense, his second Spanish football club acquisition of 2026 after UE Cornellà.
Key Details of Messi’s Ownership Acquisitions
CD Eldense (October 2026)
Messi acquired a majority stake by purchasing shares held by the TH Soluciones group. Eldense, a historic club founded in 1921 that competes in LaLiga 2 (Spain’s second division), sports traditional blue-and-garnet colours similar to Barcelona. The transaction, which was completed on 1st October 2026, was valued at $ 13.2 million, which will give Messi a 100% stake in the Club. The transaction is pending final regulatory approval from Spain’s National Sports Council, Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD).
Read on: At 39, Lionel Messi Leads MLS 2026 Stats
How Does The Takeover Affect CD Eldense
Despite the $13.2 million ( €12 million) takeover, Eldense will continue to operate under LaLiga’s strict financial fair play rules and salary limits, meaning player wage budgets will remain proportional to existing squad turnover and club revenue.
Also Read: Zidane To Face Italy For The First Time Since The Infamous Headbutt in 2006
UE Cornellà (April 2026)
Earlier this year, Messi purchased full ownership of Catalan fifth-tier side UE Cornellà. Based near Barcelona, the club is renowned for its youth academy, having developed stars such as David Raya and Jordi Alba.
Broader Business Context
Messi’s expanded football portfolio complements his other sports business ventures, which include a stake in Uruguayan side Deportivo LSM (alongside Luis Suárez), his family’s youth club Leones in Argentina, and an equity stake option in Inter Miami following his playing contract.
Explore: Pistons and Jalen Duren Agree on Five-Year, $200 Million Contract