Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has come to a “preliminary agreement” to acquire majority ownership of Eldense, a soccer team competing in Spain’s Segunda División. According to a statement from Eldense, Messi’s purchase would transfer shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones, positioning him as the club’s majority shareholder.
This agreement is still in the works and must receive approval from the Spanish National Sports Council. If the deal goes through, Eldense will be Messi’s second Spanish club investment, following his acquisition of a 100% stake in fifth-division team Cornellà earlier this year. His longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, owns a 25% share in Almeria, also in Spain’s second tier.
With the addition of Eldense and Cornellà, the 39-year-old Messi’s investment portfolio will include a total of six clubs, including Uruguay’s Deportivo LSM, Argentina’s Leones de Rosario FC, and Inter Miami. He is also a co-owner of KRÜ Esports, an eSports organization alongside Sergio Agüero.
Founded in 1921, Eldense returned to the Segunda División in 2023, marking its highest league placement since 1964. As Messi looks to broaden his investments, he remains focused on leading Inter Miami to consecutive MLS Cup titles. The Herons are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 43 points from 23 matches, while Messi leads the league in both goals (18) and assists (12).
Fan Take: This development highlights Messi’s growing influence on soccer clubs beyond the pitch, potentially leading to a new era of player ownership in soccer. It could inspire both fans and emerging players to invest in clubs, reshaping the landscape of the sport in the coming years.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
