Lionel Messi becomes owner of Spanish Club CD Eldense

Lionel Messi has added another Spanish football club to his growing portfolio after completing the acquisition of CD Eldense, a second-division side based in Alicante.

Eldense announced the deal on October 1. They described Messi’s arrival as the beginning of a long-term project aimed at developing the club while still keeping its history. Messi acquired the shares held by the club’s previous majority shareholder, a Colombian investment group.

Eldense are Messi’s second Spanish club after his acquisition of fourth-tier side UE Cornellà earlier this year.

Just a day after the takeover was announced, Eldense came from behind to beat Real Oviedo 4–1 in the Segunda División. Alberto Reina put Oviedo ahead after just 21 seconds, but Eldense turned the game around after the break through goals from Roberto López, Fidel, Aingeru Olabarrieta and Jorge Rastrojo.

Messi, who couldn’t be physically present for the match, watched it on his laptop while in Argentina ahead of his farewell appearance for the national team.

The victory was Eldense’s first home win of the season and moved the club out of the relegation zone.