Messi closes in on second Spanish club purchase months after Argentina retirement

Lionel Messi is set to become the majority owner of Spanish second-division club C.D. Eldense after the club announced on Wednesday that the 39-year-old has reached an agreement in principle to buy 100 per cent of the shares held by Colombian investment firm TH Soluciones Group S.A.S.

The acquisition would mark Messi’s second Spanish club purchase of the year, following his takeover of fifth-tier UE Cornella on 16 April. Reports in Spain on Tuesday indicated the Eldense deal is expected to be finalised within days, though the club cautioned that it remains subject to due diligence and mandatory authorisation from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD).

“At this time, the operation is pending completion of the final legal and contractual procedures, including the corresponding due diligence process, as well as the mandatory authorisation from the High Council for Sports,” Eldense told Reuters.

Eldense, who currently sit 20th in the Segunda División standings, were themselves acquired by TH Soluciones Group last October after the club climbed out of Spain’s regional divisions to reach the second tier.

The investment activity comes as Messi continues his playing career at Inter Miami, where he is also reported to be in line for an equity stake once his playing contract expires. His off-field ambitions in football ownership are expanding rapidly on both sides of the Atlantic.

The club purchases follow Messi’s emotional retirement from international football last month, announced via Instagram after Argentina were beaten by Spain in the World Cup final in July — a result that proved to be his last appearance for the national team.

“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote. “It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come.”

He added: “I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”