Lionel Messi has been confirmed as the new owner of Spanish second-tier football club CD Eldense, marking his second ownership venture in Spain in 2026.

Eldense announced the acquisition on Thursday, saying Messi’s arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s more than 100-year history.

The club, founded in 1921 and based in Elda in the province of Alicante, said the new ownership would be built around a long-term project aimed at strengthening its sporting, institutional and social development.

Eldense also said it wanted to consolidate its position in professional football while preserving its roots, history and blue-and-red identity.

The acquisition makes Eldense the second Spanish club owned by the Argentine superstar after he completed the purchase of fifth-tier side UE Cornellà in April.

The latest deal follows an agreement for Messi to acquire the shares previously held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., which had been the club’s majority shareholder. Reuters reported that the transaction remains subject to regulatory approval by Spain’s Higher Sports Council.

Eldense currently competes in LaLiga Hypermotion, Spain’s second division. The club has spent most of its history outside the top flight and returned to the second tier in recent seasons.

Messi’s involvement comes as the club seeks to improve its sporting fortunes. Reuters reported that Eldense had made a difficult start to the 2026-27 campaign and had parted ways with coach Claudio Barragán after taking two points from their opening four league matches.

The club said Messi’s arrival was expected to usher in a long-term project focused not only on sporting development but also on its institutional and social growth.

The acquisition further expands Messi’s involvement in Spanish football beyond his celebrated playing career at Barcelona. He currently plays for Inter Miami while building a growing portfolio of football investments.

Eldense said the transaction would take effect subject to the required authorisation from Spain’s Higher Sports Council under the country’s Sports Law.