Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has a “preliminary agreement” in place to become a majority shareholder in a second division Spanish side.
It has been revealed that Eldense – who play in La Liga 2 and are based in Alicante – will become the second Spanish club Messi has invested in. Back in April the former Barcelona man acquired full ownership of Catalan club Cornella, who ply their trade in the fifth tier of Spanish football.
A statement from Eldense said: “A preliminary agreement has been reached with Lionel Messi for the acquisition of the shares currently owned by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would make him the club’s majority shareholder.
“The transaction is currently subject to the completion of the remaining legal and contractual procedures, including the due diligence process, as well as the required authorisation from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD).”
An official announcement is expected in the coming days once legal issues are thrashed out.
It was just last month that Messi, now aged 39, announced his international retirement, calling time on a career that saw him represent Argentina 207 times in total with the undoubted highlight being the famous win over France in the 2022 World Cup final
Messi, still playing club football with MLS side Inter Miami, said at the time: “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.
“I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance.”
