REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez
It's sad to say, but an era of greatness is coming to an end. Indeed, Lionel Messi is now 39 years old and may not be playing for much longer.
The brilliant Argentine has won almost every trophy the game has to offer, from the World Cup to the Champions League. Add to that his record eight Ballon d'Or triumphs, and most accept that he is probably the best footballer of all time.
Messi has already called it quits on his international career, retiring from Argentina duty in the wake of the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain. It appears as though the legend is now making moves for life in retirement, as he has invested in a new football club.
Messi To Purchase Spanish Second Division Club
REUTERS/Paul Childs
According to reports from Spanish media outlet AS, Messi has reached an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of CD Eldense, a club currently 20th in the Spanish Second Division.
The article goes on to explain that the former Barcelona star's lawyers had been negotiating for some time with the Colombian investment group TH, before reaching a preliminary agreement. As such, Messi will become the majority shareholder of Eldense once the final legal and contractual formalities are completed.
It's also noted that the player's arrival at Eldense – a La Liga 2 club that currently has 3,500 season ticket holders – would be a solo investment, without the involvement of any partners or former players. It's expected that the final agreement will be announced 'in the coming days'.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
Messi Already Owns UE Cornella
Hannah Mckay via Reuters
If Messi does complete the purchase of Eldense, it won't be the first time he has become owner of a club, as he already owns Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornella. The Catalan side were founded in 1951 and have produced several notable players in their 75-year history, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and former Spain international Jordi Alba, who was Messi’s teammate at Barcelona and Inter Miami.
That deal was announced in April 2026, with Cornella announcing: “Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent.
“The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots.”
Many might expect the MLS star to invest in a club from the United States, and that could happen in the future. After all, when signing for Inter Miami, his contract reportedly includes an option for part-ownership of the club.
For now, though, Messi's only official ownership investment comes in the form of Spanish clubs Cornella and – providing there are no issues with the final contract – Eldense.