Lionel Messi Adds CD Eldense Takeover to Growing Club Portfolio
Lionel Messi has expanded his footprint in professional football by taking over Spanish Segunda División club CD Eldense. The announcement highlighted the move as a new and exciting chapter in the century-old history of the institution. Founded in 1921, CD Eldense earned promotion to the Segunda División at the end of the previous campaign. The team currently sits 17th in the table with five points after seven matches. Management installed Javier Calleja as manager two weeks prior to the takeover, though the 48-year-old coach has yet to secure a victory in his first two matches on the touchline. The club has never played in Spain’s top-flight LaLiga.
Messi Expands Global Club Empire Beyond Inter Miami
The Eldense purchase joins a growing list of sports investments for Messi. Earlier in the spring, he acquired a stake in fifth-tier Spanish side UE Cornellà. He also holds ownership shares in Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami. He also co-owns Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside former teammate Luis Suárez.
Direct Rivalry With Gerard Piqué and Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain
Messi’s entry into the Spanish second tier creates indirect club rivalries with former Barcelona teammate Gerard Piqué and longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Piqué previously took over FC Andorra, while Ronaldo holds ownership shares in UD Almería. Both clubs also compete in the Segunda División.
The transaction still awaits final administrative approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports, known as the Consejo Superior de Deportes. Once cleared, the new ownership group will officially assume full operational control of the Eldense organization.
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