**Messi Reaches Agreement to Acquire C.D. Eldense**
In a significant development in the world of football, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to purchase Spanish second-division club C.D. Eldense. The announcement was made on Wednesday, indicating that Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, is close to acquiring 100% of the shares held by the Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., the current majority owner of the club.
At 39 years old, Messi is poised to become the majority owner of a second football club in Spain, following his earlier acquisition of UE Cornella on April 16, 2023. Cornella, which competes in the fifth tier of Spanish football, is known for its successful grassroots and youth programs, with many players from its academy having moved on to prestigious clubs, including Messi's former team, FC Barcelona.
The deal for Eldense is expected to be finalized in the coming days, pending the completion of necessary legal and contractual procedures. This includes the due diligence process and obtaining mandatory authorization from the High Council for Sports (CSD). Eldense officials have stated that they cannot provide a specific date for when the transaction will be completed. The club, which currently sits at the bottom of the Segunda Division standings, was taken over by TH Soluciones Group last October and has recently climbed to the second tier of Spanish football after years in the regional divisions.
As Messi prepares to take ownership of Eldense, it is important to note that he will face challenges in making significant investments in player signings due to Spain's strict salary cap regulations. This financial framework is designed to promote fiscal responsibility among clubs and ensure competitive balance within the league.
Messi's move into club ownership aligns him with several other prominent figures in Spanish football who have ventured into similar territories. Notably, former Barcelona teammate Gerard Piqué has established ownership in the club Andorra through his Kosmos group, which also competes in the second tier of Spain's football hierarchy. Additionally, current Real Madrid forwards Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe are involved in investment groups that hold majority stakes in clubs outside of Spain, specifically Alverca in Portugal and SM Caen in France, respectively.
As the football community watches closely, Messi's foray into club ownership could have implications for both C.D. Eldense and the broader landscape of Spanish football. The potential for Messi to influence the development of young talent and the club's strategic direction will be of particular interest, especially given his extensive experience and success in the sport.
With the deal still pending finalization, fans and stakeholders of C.D. Eldense are left to speculate on the future direction of the club under Messi's stewardship. The coming weeks will likely provide clarity on the transaction's completion and what it may mean for the club's ambitions in the competitive landscape of Spanish football.