Lionel Messi is reportedly close to completing a major move away from the pitch after reaching an agreement in principle to acquire full ownership of Spanish second-division club Deportivo Eldense.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward is expected to purchase 100% of the club’s shares from its current majority owner, Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group. The deal still requires legal and regulatory approval before becoming official.
If completed, the acquisition would represent another significant step in Messi’s growing involvement in football ownership. He has already been linked with ownership of another Spanish club, UE Cornellà, making Eldense another addition to his football portfolio.
Eldense currently compete in Spain’s Segunda División and are attempting to establish themselves at a higher level of the Spanish football pyramid. The club has experienced significant growth since TH Soluciones Group became involved.
Messi’s involvement could potentially provide the club with greater global visibility. However, Spanish football’s strict financial regulations mean that ownership alone would not allow him to spend unlimited amounts on players.
The move also places Messi among a growing group of famous footballers who have entered club ownership after or alongside their playing careers. Gerard Piqué is another prominent example, while several current stars have developed investments in clubs across Europe.
For Messi, the acquisition represents an opportunity to remain closely connected to Spanish football after spending many years at Barcelona.
The deal is expected to be finalised in the coming days if all necessary regulatory requirements are completed.
