Lionel Messi reaches agreement to acquire Spanish club Eldense

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to purchase 100% of Spanish second-tier side CD Eldense, Spanish newspaper Marca reported. 

Under the terms of the agreement, the 39-year-old Argentine forward will acquire full control of the club independently, without outside co-investors. Based in the province of Alicante—close to Catalonia, where Messi intends to reside following his playing career—Eldense currently competes in Spain's Segunda División. If finalized, Eldense will become Messi's second Spanish football acquisition in 2026, following his purchase of Catalan club UE Cornellà in April.