Messi acquires CD Eldense with Spanish regulatory approval still pending

Lionel Messi has acquired Spanish second division club CD Eldense, the club has announced, although the transaction still requires regulatory approval. BBC Sport reported that the Argentina forward's purchase process had been completed following a preliminary agreement in September to become the majority shareholder. Eldense's own announcement confirmed that the required authorisation remains outstanding.

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In its statement, Eldense said the transaction was awaiting approval from Spain's CSD under the country's Sports Law. The Alicante-based club presented Messi's arrival as the beginning of a long-term ownership project covering its sporting, institutional and social development. The announcement therefore sets out the club's plans while retaining a specific regulatory condition on the deal.

Founded in 1921, Eldense said its ambition under the new ownership was to strengthen its position and grow in professional football while maintaining its roots and identity. The change comes during a difficult start to the league campaign: according to BBC Sport, the club sits 19th in the 22-team second division, with five points and one victory from seven matches.

Eldense is the second Spanish club Messi has bought into this year. The 39-year-old purchased Catalan side Cornella in April, before reaching the preliminary Eldense agreement in September. He remains a player for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. BBC Sport also reported that he announced his retirement from international football in August, having won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.

The acquisition extends Messi's involvement in Spanish football beyond the playing career he built at Barcelona. He moved from Argentina to Spain at 13 and made his Barcelona first-team debut in October 2004, aged 17. He went on to score a club-record 672 goals across 778 appearances, winning 10 La Liga championships and four Champions League titles.

Messi left Barcelona for Paris St-Germain in 2021 before moving to Inter Miami in 2023. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner now adds Eldense to his ownership interests alongside his continuing club playing career. For Eldense, the announced change of owner is accompanied by a stated commitment to long-term development, with CSD authorisation still needed for the transaction.