Lionel Messi has finalised an agreement to take over CD Eldense, the Spanish second division club confirmed on Thursday, subject to regulatory clearance. Messi, who is 39 and plays for Inter Miami, has secured a majority stake in his second Spanish club of the year, having already acquired UE Cornellà in April.
Eldense announced the move on its official website. The club said Messi had agreed last month to purchase the entire shareholding previously held by its majority owners, a Colombian investment group.
“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,” the statement read.
The deal adds to Messi’s growing portfolio in Spanish football. He acquired UE Cornellà in April, meaning he now has stakes in two clubs in the country.
Eldense was founded in 1921 and will hope its new high profile owner provides an immediate lift. The team, however, is facing a difficult start to the season. It sits 19th in the Segunda División and has lost four of its opening seven matches, leaving it in an early season relegation battle.
Messi, a former Barcelona and Argentina captain, continues to play for Inter Miami. The club confirmed that the agreement remains subject to regulatory clearance.
Eldense will be eager for an immediate boost from their high profile new owner. The club remains 19th in the Segunda División after four defeats in seven matches, with the takeover still subject to regulatory clearance.
