Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the new owner of Spanish second-division club C.D. Eldense, the club announced on Wednesday.
The Inter Miami forward is closing in on a deal to acquire 100 per cent of the shares currently held by Colombian investment firm TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., the majority shareholder. The takeover would make the 39-year-old the majority owner of a second Spanish club, following his acquisition of fifth-tier team UE Cornella on 16 April.
Eldense said the operation is pending completion of final legal and contractual procedures, including due diligence and mandatory authorisation from the High Council for Sports (CSD). The club could not provide a specific completion date.
Messi is currently back playing for Inter Miami after leading Argentina to the World Cup final in July, where they were beaten by Spain. He announced his international retirement last month in an emotional statement on Instagram.