Lionel Messi reaches agreement to purchase Eldense of Spain's second division

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has reached a "preliminary agreement" to become the majority owner of Eldense, a soccer team that plays in Spain 's Segunda División.

"A preliminary agreement has been reached with Lionel Messi for the acquisition of the shares currently owned by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would make him the club's majority shareholder," read a statement from Eldense , which is currently in 20th place in the 22-team division .

The deal has not been completed and will require approval from the Spanish National Sports Council.

Once finalized and approved, Eldense would be the second Spanish club owned by Messi after he purchased a 100% stake in fifth-division side Cornellà in April . His longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo , has a 25% stake in Almeria, which also plays in Spain's second division.

Once Eldense is added to his portfolio, along with Cornellà, the 39-year-old Messi will have a stake in six clubs total, including Uruguay 's Deportivo LSM, Argentina 's Leones de Rosario FC and Inter Miami. He also co-owns KRÜ Esports, an eSports team with Sergio Agüero.

Eldense was founded in 1921 and was promoted to the Segunda División in 2023, the highest level it has played at since 1964.

As he seeks to expand his portfolio, Messi is also focused on helping Inter Miami to back-to-back MLS Cup titles. The Herons are currently second in the Eastern Conference on 43 points through 23 games. Messi, who recently announced his retirement from Argentina's national team , leads the league in goals (18) and assists (12).