Lionel Messi is quietly building a post-playing empire, and his latest move is a bold one. Reports from Spain confirm that the Argentine legend has reached an advanced verbal agreement to purchase 100% of CD Eldense, a club currently competing in Spain's Segunda División. The deal would see him take over the majority stake held by a Colombian investment group led by Juan Carlos Trujillo.
For those who have followed Messi's career, this is not just a business transaction—it's a statement. The 37-year-old, still dazzling on the pitch with Inter Miami, is clearly thinking about what comes next. And he's not waiting until retirement to make his mark in the boardroom.
A strategic expansion in European football
This isn't Messi's first foray into club ownership. He previously acquired a stake in Cornellà, a third-division side near Barcelona. But Eldense represents a significant step up. Owning a second-division club gives him a platform in a league he knows intimately from his years at Barcelona, and it offers a more substantial base to build his vision.
The move also aligns with a growing trend of active players investing in clubs. As the economics of soccer shift, more stars are looking to secure their futures beyond their playing days. Messi, ever the pioneer, is leading by example.
According to sources close to the negotiations, talks between Messi's legal team and the club's owners have progressed smoothly over recent weeks. The transaction is now undergoing a financial audit, a standard step before it goes to Spain's Higher Sports Council for final approval. Once that government green light arrives, the takeover will be complete.
For CD Eldense, a historic club from the Valencian Community, Messi's arrival could be transformative. The club, which has spent most of its history in the lower tiers, would suddenly gain global visibility. Messi's name alone is enough to attract sponsors, broadcast interest, and top-tier talent. As those who have trained with him know, his influence extends far beyond his own performances.
This is also a personal milestone for Messi, who has often spoken about his desire to stay connected to football after retirement. Unlike some players who fade into punditry or ambassadorial roles, Messi is choosing to build something tangible. Owning a club allows him to shape a project from the ground up, implementing his ideas about player development, tactics, and club culture.
His investment in Eldense also carries a symbolic weight. It's a nod to the kind of clubs that form the backbone of Spanish football—teams with passionate local fanbases and rich histories, even if they don't always make the headlines. For a player who rose from humble beginnings in Rosario, there's a certain poetry in investing in a club that represents the grassroots of the sport.
Messi's move comes at a time when investment in football is reaching new heights, and ownership models are evolving. While some see this as a purely financial play, others view it as a legacy project. Messi has already cemented his place as one of the greatest players ever; now he's working on his legacy as a leader off the pitch.
For Latino fans across the Americas and the diaspora, this story resonates deeply. Messi is not just an Argentine icon—he's a symbol of what's possible for Latinos in global sports. His move into club ownership is an inspiration for young players and entrepreneurs alike, showing that the beautiful game can be a vehicle for long-term success.
As the deal awaits final approval, the football world will be watching closely. If it goes through, Messi will join a select group of players who have successfully transitioned into ownership. And if his playing career is any indication, he'll approach this new challenge with the same dedication and brilliance that made him a champion.
For now, the details are still being finalized, but one thing is clear: Lionel Messi is not just planning for his next match—he's planning for the next chapter of his life. And it's going to be just as compelling as the last.
