# Lionel Messi Completes Takeover of Second Spanish Club in 2026

URL: https://technosports.co.in/lionel-messi-takeover-second-spanish-club-2026/  
Published: 2026-10-02  
Updated: 2026-10-02  
Author: Rahul Roy

**Lionel Messi** continues to build his football business empire off the pitch, officially completing the takeover of Spanish second-division club **CD Eldense**, the club confirmed in a statement.

## A Growing Football Portfolio

This marks Messi’s second Spanish club acquisition this year, following his purchase of fifth-division side **UE Cornellà** back in April. Unlike Cornellà, however, Eldense’s second-tier status makes this the first time Messi officially becomes the owner of a professional club in Spain.

## What Eldense Had to Say

Announcing the historic takeover, the club said: “Club Deportivo Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the entity by Leo Messi, beginning a new and exciting stage in the more than one hundred years of history of the institution.” The deal saw Messi acquire majority ownership from a Colombian investment group that previously held the controlling stake.

## Regulatory Approval Still Pending

While the takeover has been completed, the deal remains subject to approval from Spain’s **Higher Sports Council**, a standard procedural step for club ownership changes in Spanish football.

## The Club’s Current Situation

Eldense find themselves in a tricky position on the pitch, having picked up just **five points so far this season** without a manager in place, as they look to avoid a relegation battle in a division that also features former La Liga sides like [Las Palmas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UD_Las_Palmas), Real Mallorca, and Girona.

## Why It Matters

Messi’s expanding ownership interests mirror a broader trend of elite footballers investing in clubs post-retirement or during their playing careers — notably echoing rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s 25% stake purchase in Almería earlier this year. For Eldense, Messi’s involvement promises a renewed focus on long-term sporting, institutional, and community development.

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