Lionel Messi Completes Acquisition of Eldense Football Club
Lionel Messi has taken a significant step in his football investment journey by acquiring Spanish club Eldense, pending regulatory approval. This move adds another team to his investment portfolio, marking his growing influence in the world of football.
The legendary 39-year-old Argentine player, who currently plays for Inter Miami, reached an agreement last month to purchase shares from a Colombian investment group, the previous majority owners of Eldense. The club announced this exciting news on Thursday.
Eldense’s statement expressed enthusiasm for Messi’s arrival, stating, “Club Deportivo Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the club by Leo Messi, marking the start of a new and exciting chapter in the club’s history, which spans more than a hundred years.”
Eldense’s Future: A New Beginning
Founded in 1921, Eldense is now looking at a promising future with Messi at the helm. The club aims to enhance its performance both on and off the field, focusing on sporting and social development while staying true to its traditional blue-and-maroon colors.
Currently, Eldense is working hard to avoid relegation from Spain’s second-tier league. They are positioned 19th in the Segunda Division after facing challenges in their first seven matches, with four losses. The hope is that Messi’s takeover could energize the team and fans alike.
However, it’s important to note that while Messi’s investment is a significant boost, Spain’s strict financial regulations mean that Eldense will need to navigate spending carefully and cannot make drastic moves in the transfer market.
Messi’s Rising Empire in Football Ownership
Messi’s acquisition of Eldense follows his earlier purchase of UE Cornella, a club in Spain’s fifth tier, which he bought in April. Cornella is recognized for its commitment to grassroots and youth football, having trained players who have progressed to clubs like Barcelona.
Messi is joining a trend of prominent footballers stepping into ownership roles. Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique’s Kosmos group owns Andorra, competing in Spain’s second division. Additionally, Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe have investments in Portuguese club Alverca and French side SM Caen, respectively.
Looking ahead, Messi is also expected to gain a stake in Inter Miami once his playing deal with the Major League Soccer club comes to an end.
This acquisition shows Messi’s ambition not just as a player but as a key player in the future of football investment.
