Lionel Messi is reportedly close to purchasing CD Eldense, a Segunda División club based near Alicante, Spain. According to French newspaper L'Equipe, the Argentine legend would become owner of the club playing at the Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium. This would mark Messi's second Spanish football club ownership after UE Cornella, which competes in Spain's fifth division.
A Century-Old Barcelona Connection
Founded in 1921 by a group of Barcelona enthusiasts known as "the Stubborn Ones," CD Eldense represents one of Spain's most historically significant lower-league institutions. The club is based in Elda, approximately 40 kilometres from Alicante's provincial capital. Their opening match occurred on All Saints' Day, 1 November 1921, against local rivals Elda FC. Playing in Barcelona's distinctive blue and red colours with black shorts, the founders never anticipated that the greatest player in Catalan football history would one day acquire their creation.
Remarkably, despite over 100 years of existence, CD Eldense has never competed in La Liga. The club's crest maintains the Barcelona connection through its design, serving as a permanent reminder of the club's Catalan roots. This heritage makes Messi's potential ownership particularly symbolic—a Blaugrana icon returning ownership to a club born from Barcelona fan passion a century ago.
Rocky Road to Segunda División Success
Eldense's recent history includes significant turmoil and triumph. On 1 April 2017, they suffered a historic 0-12 defeat to Barcelona B in Segunda B, triggering immediate relegation. The following days revealed allegations of match-fixing, leading to five arrests including Italian coach Filippo Di Pierro. The investigation examined potential manipulation linked to illegal betting networks. Despite these scandals, all accused individuals were acquitted when the trial concluded in February 2026.
The club's resilience proved remarkable. On 25 June 2023, CD Eldense secured promotion to the Segunda División after three consecutive seasons climbing the pyramid—ending a 59-year absence from Spain's second tier. They clinched their ticket through a thrilling playoff final against Castilla Real Madrid, drawing 1-1 in the first leg before a 3-3 extra-time second leg. Superior regular-season positioning secured their promotion.
If Messi's acquisition materializes, CD Eldense would join an elite group of clubs backed by legendary players. The move underscores Messi's expanding business interests in Spanish football while reconnecting with the Barcelona-founded institution.
