Messi Agrees in Principle to Buy LaLiga 2 Side CD Eldense

Agreement for full control of CD Eldense

Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle with the current owners of CD Eldense to acquire 100% of the Alicante-based club, according to reporting in Marca and Diario AS cited by multiple outlets. The investment would be made solely by the Argentine, without partners, former players or other third parties. Eldense, based in Elda in Alicante province, currently competes in LaLiga 2, Spain's second division, after winning Group 2 of the Primera Federación in May 2026 to secure promotion for the 2026–27 season.

The deal is not yet finalized. The proposed takeover still requires completion of the remaining legal and contractual formalities, including financial due diligence, and must be approved by the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD). A formal announcement is expected in the coming days once those requirements are cleared.

Background on the existing ownership

Messi's representatives have been negotiating for months with TH Group, a Colombian-rooted international investment firm led by businessman Juan Carlos Trujillo. Sources differ on the timeline of TH Group's involvement: one account says the group acquired the club "just one year ago," while another identifies Pascual Pérez as the seller and dates the earlier purchase to October 2015. Reports had also previously linked Argentine businessman Ricardo Pini to a potential takeover valued at around €12 million; the Messi agreement has now displaced those discussions. Eldense has approximately 3,500 season-ticket holders and plays at the Estadio Nuevo Pepico Amat, which has a capacity of 5,776 seats.

Expansion of Messi's Spanish football portfolio

The Eldense deal would extend Messi's Spanish football business portfolio. Earlier in 2026, Messi acquired 100% of UE Cornellà, a Catalan club in the Spanish third tier, with that purchase announced in April. The Cornellà project has emphasized youth academy development and women's football. Eldense's location in Alicante province is relatively close to Catalonia, where Messi is expected to settle after his playing career ends. The Eldense investment would move Messi into professional football in Spain.

On-pitch difficulties as changeover looms

The prospective takeover comes as Eldense face difficulties on the pitch in their return to LaLiga 2. The club is also in the market for a new manager, adding an operational layer to the transition if the change of ownership is completed. Further details on Eldense's current form and the managerial search are not available in the source set beyond those references.

What happens next

The transaction now hinges on financial due diligence and approval from the Spanish National Sports Council, with a formal announcement expected in the coming days once those steps are completed.