Messi Builds A Soccer Ownership Portfolio: Why He Purchased Eldense
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 06: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after winning and becoming champion following the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final match between Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) Getty Images Lionel Messis move to become the majority shareholder of Eldense is, on its surface, a modest transaction. This is not a superstar buying into a Champions League club or making a splashy statement purchase. Eldense plays in Spain‘s second division, is based near a small port city and just fired its manager after a poor start to the season. But the deal is worth more scrutiny than its size suggests because of what it reveals about Messi’s evolving post-playing priorities and because of the pattern it fits into. This is now the second Spanish club Messi has invested in, following his purchase of fifth-division Barcelona-based side UE Cornella this past April. Two acquisitions in quick succession is no longer a one-off gesture of goodwill toward the country that made him a superstar — its the start of a portfolio. An athlete moving into ownership after their playing days is hardly new. What‘s









