Messi targets Eldense stake

AP:

Lionel Messi is set to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division club Eldense.

Eldense, based near the port city of Alicante in south-eastern Spain, confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had reached a preliminary agreement with the club’s owners.

The deal will see Messi acquire the shares held by Grupo TH Soluciones, subject to the completion of the remaining legal and contractual procedures.

The club did not provide financial details or indicate when the transaction is expected to be completed.

Eldense will become the second Spanish club in which the Argentina star has invested. Earlier this year, he became the owner of Barcelona-based fifth-division side UE Cornella.

Eldense fired coach Claudio Barragan last Sunday after collecting just two points from four league matches this season.

Messi has built a strong connection with Spain. He arrived in Barcelona at age 13 when he and his family moved to the country in pursuit of an opportunity with the club’s youth academy.

He emerged as the outstanding player of his generation during two decades at Barcelona, winning multiple titles before leaving the club in 2021.

Eldense also has historical ties to Barcelona. The club was founded in September 1921 by a group of supporters of the Catalan giants, which is reflected in its blue-and-red colours.

The 39-year-old Messi was named this week on the shortlist for another Ballon d’Or award after guiding Argentina to a runner-up finish at the World Cup and helping Inter Miami win the MLS Cup. Messi set to become majority shareholder at Spanish second-division club.