Argentina great Lionel Messi has reached a "preliminary agreement" to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division side Eldense. The club, based in Alicante, confirmed the agreement for the acquisition of shares currently owned by Grupo TH Soluciones.
This move would make Eldense the second Spanish club Messi has invested in, following his purchase of Catalan side Cornella in April. The transaction is currently subject to the completion of remaining legal and contractual procedures, including due diligence and authorisation from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD).
The 39-year-old former Barcelona forward currently plays for Inter Miami and recently retired from international football. Eldense currently sits 20th in La Liga 2 with two points from four games this season, having recently parted ways with head coach Claudio Barragan.