Spanish second-division team C.D. Eldense announced on Wednesday that Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to become the club’s new owner.
The Inter Miami forward is closing in on a deal to acquire 100 per cent of the shares currently held by Colombian investment firm TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., the majority shareholder.
The takeover would see the 39-year-old become the majority owner of a second Spanish club, following his acquisition of fifth-tier team UE Cornella on 16 April earlier this year.
Messi is also set to obtain an equity stake in Inter Miami once his playing contract comes to an end. Reports in Spain on Tuesday stated that the deal to buy Eldense is expected to be finalised over the coming days.
“At this time, the operation is pending completion of the final legal and contractual procedures, including the corresponding due diligence process, as well as the mandatory authorisation from the High Council for Sports (CSD),” Eldense told Reuters.
The club could not provide a specific date for when the acquisition will be completed. TH Soluciones Group has also been approached for comment.
Eldense, who sit 20th in the Segunda standings, were taken over by TH Soluciones Group last October. The team has progressed to the second tier of Spanish football after spending several years competing within the regional divisions.
Messi is currently back playing for Inter Miami after leading Argentina to the World Cup final in July. Argentina were beaten by Spain in the showpiece event which proved to be the final international match of Messi’s career.
Messi announced his international retirement last month in an emotional statement on Instagram.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote.
“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come,” he said.
He added: “I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”
