Lionel Messi is reportedly in talks to acquire CD Eldense, a Segunda División club based in Alicante, marking a potential shift toward club ownership for the Inter Miami superstar. La Liga president Javier Tebas has responded positively to the prospect, though he admitted learning of the deal through media reports rather than official channels.
During a Panini LaLiga EA Sports presentation on Wednesday, Tebas was asked directly about Messi's potential boardroom return to Spanish football. "I found out about the Eldense thing through the media," the league chief revealed. "I don't know if it's like that or not, if Messi has bought it or not, if it's a group or him." Despite the uncertainty surrounding exact terms, Tebas expressed enthusiasm for attracting world-class investors to the Spanish second division.
A Parallel to Ronaldo's Almería Stake
Tebas drew a natural comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds a 25% ownership stake in La Liga side Almería. The Portuguese icon's investment demonstrated that elite players are increasingly diversifying into club ownership and management. "It is an honor that the two greatest players in world football from recent years are considering investing part of their savings into Spanish football to help it grow," Tebas stated, underlining the prestige such involvement brings to La Liga.
At 39 years old, Messi continues performing at the highest level with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he has consistently broken records since his 2023 arrival. However, an Eldense acquisition would signal strategic positioning for his post-playing career, potentially establishing him as a club proprietor across multiple continents.
Eldense's Path Forward
Eldense currently navigate Spain's fiercely competitive second tier, and fresh capital injection could dramatically reshape their competitive standing. The modest Alicante club would gain immediate international exposure should Messi formalize ownership, transforming their global profile overnight. For now, the club remains focused on their Segunda División objectives, with any official confirmation likely to come in the coming weeks as negotiations progress.
