The Argentine superstar has agreed a deal that could give him control of another Spanish club, adding a new chapter to an increasingly ambitious portfolio that stretches across several countries and even into esports. Lionel Messi is continuing to build a soccer empire away from the pitch, and his latest move has put him on a fascinating collision course with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentine superstar has agreed a deal that could give him control of another Spanish club, adding a new chapter to an increasingly ambitious portfolio that stretches across several countries and even into esports. Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire 100% of CD Eldense, a Spanish second-division club based in Elda, near Alicante. The club confirmed the agreement on September 9, 2026, with the transaction still requiring legal procedures, due diligence, and approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD). According to Reuters, BBC Sport and The Athletic, the deal would see Messi acquire the shares currently held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group. There is currently no fixed completion date, meaning the agreement has yet to become a completed takeover. Eldense is currently competing in the Segunda Division and is positioned near the bottom of the table. If the transaction receives the necessary approvals, Messi would gain control of a club in one of Europe’s most competitive second tiers, giving him another platform for developing young players and building a soccer operation. 🚨 BREAKING: Lionel Messi becomes new owner of La Liga 2 side CD Eldense. 🇪🇸Messi buys 100% of the club’s currently established in La Liga 2 in Spain — follows the investment made in Catalunya side UD Cornellá.🎥➕ https://t.co/TQeEVFTS51 pic.twitter.com/jyhQIOXg9X— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 9, 2026 Messi’s soccer portfolio keeps growing The Eldense agreement would make Eldense the second Spanish soccer club under Messi’s full ownership. Earlier in 2026, he completed the purchase of Catalan side UE Cornella, a club particularly known for its focus on youth development. Messi also has soccer interests outside Spain. He is a co-owner of Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM alongside longtime friend and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez, while Argentine club Leones de Rosario FC is a family project administered by his brother Matías Messi. His portfolio also extends beyond traditional soccer. Messi is a co-owner of KRU Esports, the organization founded by Sergio Aguero, and he is expected to receive an equity stake in Inter Miami as part of his playing agreement with the MLS club. #Club / OrganizationCountryMessi’s Involvement1.EldenseSpain100% owner2.CornellaSpain100% owner3.Deportivo LSMUruguayCo-owner4.Leones de Rosario FCArgentinaFamily project5.KRU EsportsArgentinaCo-owner6.Inter MiamiUSAExpected equity stake—FC AndorraAndorraNo confirmed ownership stake There is, however, an important distinction surrounding one frequently mentioned name. Several reports and social media posts have listed FC Andorra among Messi’s clubs, but there is no clear public evidence that Messi owns a stake in the soccer club itself. His family does have business interests in Andorra, including a family office, hotels, and corporate holdings. So, how many clubs does Cristiano Ronaldo own? The comparison with Ronaldo becomes particularly interesting because the Portuguese superstar has also moved into club ownership while continuing his playing career. Ronaldo officially owns a 25% stake in Spanish second-tier club UD Almeria, an investment completed through his CR7 Sports Investments subsidiary. According to the BBC, Ronaldo acquired the Almeria stake in February 2026 and partnered with the club’s majority owners, the Saudi Arabian investment consortium SMC Group. That means Ronaldo currently has one clearly established direct soccer-club ownership stake. Almería’s presence in the same division as Eldense makes the situation even more intriguing. Messi’s potent
⚽ Champions League updates from the 8pm BST kick-off⚽ Live scoreboard | Read Football Daily | And email Scott2 min: Arsenal are wearing red shorts. Full marks for considering those with colour blindness, and acting with compassion. It doesn’t look good, mind. It’s just not Arsenal.After a moment to remember the victims of the devastating floods in Nepal, Arsenal get the ball rolling. A blistering atmosphere at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona; did anyone expect anything else? Continue reading...
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