In Elda, an Alicante town close to Catalonia, Lionel Messi has moved closer to becoming the owner of Eldense while continuing his playing career with Inter Miami. The Argentine has signed for the purchase of every share in the Spanish second-tier club, though the takeover is not yet complete.
Lionel Messi signs for full Eldense takeover
The news from the club
The agreement puts Messi in line to take 100% control of Eldense, with no additional investment partners involved. It turns the preliminary deal announced last week into a formal signing after negotiations with TH Soluciones Group, the Colombian investment company that currently controls the club.
Before the change of ownership can be completed, Eldense must undergo due diligence examining its financial and legal position. The transaction will then require approval from Spain’s Higher Sports Council, the CSD. That clearance is compulsory for a transfer of control and could arrive within days, or take several weeks.
TH Soluciones Group is led by Colombian businessman Juan Carlos Trujillo. Messi, who lives in Miami during his MLS spell with Inter Miami, is expected to return to Spain after his career as a player ends.
Eldense’s place in Spain’s second tier
Eldense are back in the Segunda División this season. Their recent route through Spanish football has been turbulent: promotion in 2023 ended a 60-year absence from the division, the club survived for another campaign, then fell in 2024/25 before winning promotion again last season.
The new season has begun poorly. Claudio Barragán was dismissed only a few weeks into the campaign after two defeats and two draws from his first four matches. Eldense sit 16th in the second division on five points.
SEO Title: Lionel Messi signs agreement to buy 100% of Spain’s Eldense
SEO Description: Lionel Messi has signed an agreement to acquire all Eldense shares, with due diligence and Spanish sports authority approval still required.
