Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to take majority ownership of Spanish second-tier side Eldense, potentially adding another professional club to his expanding football investment portfolio.
The proposed acquisition would involve shares owned by Colombian investment firm Grupo TH, but the transaction remains subject to due diligence, legal processes and clearance from Spain’s National Sports Council.
Completion of the deal would make Eldense the second Spanish club associated with Messi’s ownership interests. The Argentine bought Catalan fifth-tier club Cornellà in April 2026, although it currently competes at semi-professional level.
Eldense are enduring a difficult start to their La Liga 2 campaign, occupying 20th place with two points from four matches. The club recently parted ways with coach Claudio Barragán and is yet to appoint his replacement.
Established in 1921, Eldense have spent much of their existence outside Spain’s top two divisions. They returned to the second tier in 2023, were relegated in 2025 and earned promotion again this summer.
Messi also holds an interest in Uruguayan side Deportivo LSM, which he co-owns with Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez.
The proposed investment could present a challenge if Eldense and Cornellà eventually compete in the same division, as Spanish authorities are unlikely to allow one majority owner to control two clubs at the same level.
The Eldense transaction would represent Messi’s first investment in a professional Spanish club. The 39-year-old spent most of his playing career at Barcelona, scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances before departing in 2021.
