Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire Spanish second-division side Eldense, a source confirmed to ESPN. The deal, still pending due diligence and approval from Spain's National Sports Council (CSD), would make Eldense the second Spanish club under Messi's ownership. Earlier this year, the Barcelona icon purchased fifth-division team Cornellà, based in Barcelona.

Eldense, founded in 1921 and currently owned by Colombian investment group Grupo TH, would mark Messi's first professional club investment, as Cornellà remains semi-professional. The 39-year-old forward is also partially involved with Uruguay side Deportivo LSM alongside Inter Miami CF teammate Luis Suárez. Ownership of both Eldense and Cornellà is unlikely to pose issues immediately, given the three-division gap between them.

However, the RFEF may block both clubs from competing in the same division if Messi is majority shareholder of both. Eldense, who play at the 5,776-capacity Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium in the city of Elda, were promoted to the second tier in 2023, relegated in 2025, and returned last summer. After losing all four opening games this season, coach Claudio Barragán was sacked earlier this week.