Lionel Messi is moving closer to acquiring Deportivo Eldense, a Spanish second division club, with local officials throwing their weight behind the investment. The Inter Miami star has reached a preliminary agreement to take full ownership of the Alicante-based outfit, marking his entry into club ownership in Spain's professional football pyramid.
Rubén Alfaro, Mayor of Elda, publicly endorsed the potential takeover during a Wednesday press conference, signalling the municipality's commitment to supporting the club regardless of Messi's involvement. The mayor outlined the city council's track record of backing Eldense since it became a publicly traded sports company in 2022, allocating over four million euros through a one million euro annual sponsorship agreement.
A Historic Opportunity for Elda
Alfaro emphasised Eldense's significance as the oldest professional football club in Alicante province and highlighted its recent ascent through Spanish football divisions. In his remarks to representatives from Messi's camp, the mayor stressed that the club would continue receiving municipal financial support under any future ownership structure. He framed the potential deal around youth development and grassroots football, areas where Messi is expected to focus his investment strategy.
The mayor's public backing carries weight in a smaller Spanish city, where such municipal partnerships prove essential for lower-division clubs. "It is a great opportunity for the city that someone like Lionel Messi has noticed our club," Alfaro stated, recognising the global marketing potential of having the Argentine legend's name attached to Eldense.
Messi's Spanish Football Portfolio Expands
Should the transaction complete, Messi will become the first Argentine footballer to own a professional Spanish club outright. He recently acquired Cornellà, a Catalan third division side, earlier this year, establishing a pattern of strategic investments within Spanish football. This dual ownership model positions Messi as a club mogul alongside his playing career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
The Eldense acquisition demonstrates how elite athletes leverage their global status to build business empires beyond their playing contracts. With confirmed preliminary terms in place and local government support secured, the deal appears positioned for completion, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of Spain's second tier.
