**Messi Becomes Majority Owner of Spanish Club Eldense**
Lionel Messi has officially become the majority owner of CD Eldense, a Spanish club competing in the Segunda División, pending regulatory approval. The announcement was made by the club on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in Messi's burgeoning involvement in football club ownership.
At 39 years old, Messi has taken a notable step in his post-playing career by acquiring a stake in Eldense, following his earlier purchase of UE Cornella in April 2023. This acquisition reflects Messi's growing interest in football management and investment, especially in Spain, where he has deep roots from his illustrious career with FC Barcelona.
The deal involves Messi acquiring all shares of Eldense previously held by a Colombian investment group, which was the club's majority shareholder before this transition. The announcement from Eldense highlighted the significance of this acquisition, stating, “Club Deportivo Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the club by Leo Messi, marking the start of a new and exciting chapter in the club’s history, which spans more than a hundred years.” Established in 1921, Eldense has a rich history, and the club's management hopes that Messi's involvement will bring new opportunities and resources to enhance its performance and stature.
Currently, CD Eldense is facing challenges on the field, sitting in 19th place in the Segunda División standings after suffering four losses in their first seven matches of the season. The club is in a precarious position, fighting to avoid relegation, and the hope is that Messi's ownership will provide a much-needed boost both in terms of morale and potential financial investment.
Messi's move into club ownership follows a trend among retired athletes who seek to leverage their fame and resources to influence the sport beyond their playing days. As he continues his career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi's dual role as a player and owner could provide unique insights and advantages for both clubs he now oversees.
The acquisition of Eldense is expected to attract attention not only from fans of the club but also from the broader football community, as Messi's involvement may lead to increased visibility and potential partnerships. The club's supporters are optimistic that this new chapter will result in a turnaround in fortunes on the pitch and a brighter future for the team.
As the regulatory approval process unfolds, all eyes will be on Messi and the impact of his ownership on CD Eldense. The football world is keen to see how this development will shape the club's strategy and performance in the coming seasons.