Lionel Messi is reportedly close to acquiring 100 per cent of CD Eldense, a second-tier Spanish football team based in Elda, Valencia. The football superstar is looking to expand his portfolio in Spain.
Spanish outlet Marca reported that Messi has agreed a deal in principle. This follows his earlier purchase of a 100 per cent stake in Catalonian team UE Cornella this year. He also holds a direct equity option in his Major League Soccer team, Inter Miami.
If the deal is approved, CD Eldense would join Cornella, Inter Miami, and a wider hotel and tech investment firm in Messi's investment portfolio. CD Eldense achieved three promotions between 2021 and 2023, experienced a relegation in 2025, and was promoted again last season. They are yet to win in their first four matches of the 2026-27 LaLiga 2 campaign.
Messi would join other footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gerard Pique as club owners in Spain's LaLiga 2. Ronaldo holds a 25 per cent stake in UD Almeria, while Pique's Kosmos Holding owns 90 per cent of FC Andorra.