In an official statement, Eldense said Messi’s takeover marks the beginning of a “new era” in the history of the more than century-old club. The new project is built around a long-term vision focused on developing Eldense at sporting, institutional and social levels.

Messi reached an agreement in September to acquire all the shares previously held by a Colombian investment group, which had been the club’s largest shareholder. The Argentine is now Eldense’s controlling owner. The club did not disclose the financial value of the deal.

Founded in 1921 and based in Elda, Alicante province, Eldense is Messi’s second investment in Spanish club ownership in 2026. In April, he acquired Catalan side UE Cornellà, who compete in Spain’s fifth tier.

The Eldense takeover comes at a challenging time for the club on the pitch. The team currently sit 19th in the Segunda División after recording just one win and suffering four defeats in their opening seven league matches, leaving them facing an early battle to avoid relegation positions.

Eldense said the new era is intended to consolidate the club’s position in professional football and support its long-term development, while preserving its century-old roots and identity.
The ownership transfer remains subject to official approval from Spain’s National Sports Council under the country’s Sports Law.