Messi Agrees to Buy Second Spanish Club After Argentina Retirement

Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the majority owner of Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, just weeks after announcing his retirement from international football.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward is close to completing an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares currently held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., Eldense’s majority shareholder.

The proposed takeover is subject to the completion of legal and contractual procedures, including due diligence and approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD).

The deal would make Eldense the second Spanish club Messi has acquired in 2026, following his purchase of fifth-tier Catalan club UE Cornellà in April.

Eldense currently compete in Spain’s Segunda División and are sitting near the bottom of the table after a difficult start to the season. The club has risen through the Spanish football pyramid in recent years after spending several seasons in regional divisions.

Messi’s latest move further underlines his growing involvement in football ownership and business as he approaches the later stages of his playing career.

The Argentine remains an Inter Miami player in Major League Soccer and recently returned to club action following his decision to retire from international football.

Messi announced his Argentina retirement after the 2026 World Cup, where the defending champions reached the final before losing to Spain.

The decision ended an international career in which he became Argentina’s record appearance holder and leading goalscorer, while winning the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

The Eldense acquisition would give Messi control of a club competing at a significantly higher level than Cornellà, potentially providing a larger platform for his football development and investment ambitions.

The transaction is expected to be completed once the remaining legal requirements and regulatory approval have been secured.

Eldense has not disclosed the financial terms of the proposed takeover or a specific completion date.

Messi’s growing portfolio places him among a number of high-profile football figures who have moved into club ownership while still playing, as the Argentine begins to build a future beyond his career on the pitch.