Eldense stun Spanish football with official announcement of Lionel Messi takeover

Adrián Mazón Alicante 01/10/2026 a las 19:45h. Lionel Messi has written himself into Eldense history.

The Alicante club officially announced on Thursday that it has been acquired by the Argentine icon, a deal that ties the future of the centenary outfit to one of the biggest names in world sport. The announcement remains subject to regulatory clearance, however, as Spain's National Sports Council (CSD) must still ratify the transaction.

Messi, who two weeks ago signed an agreement to purchase 100% of the shares in Deportivo Eldense, fronts an ownership change that heralds an era of huge excitement for football across the province of Alicante. Related story The operation is estimated to be worth between €12m and €15m, though it remains to be seen who will spearhead theclub's day-to-day running,as well as who will join the Argentine in directing his new venture.

Even so, the arrival of Messi signals, according to the club, the start of a project "with a long-term vision" that aims to "boost thesporting development,institutional strength and social reach of CD Eldense". The target is to consolidate and expand within professional football.

The club, founded in 1921, has described the takeover as the beginning of "an exciting new chapter" in its century-long history. The regulatory green light the deal still requires This official statement from Eldense does not mean every hurdle has been cleared.

The club itself highlighted that "the transaction remains subject to mandatory approval by the CSD under the terms set out in the Sports Act". This is where Cornellà also comes into focus, following the announcement of their takeover by Messi last April.

The Argentine's ties to both clubs make it essential to assess how the deal aligns with regulations governing multi-club ownership and simultaneous shareholdings.