Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are once again set to go head-to-head in Spain after their long-term rivalry in LaLiga.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have spent the best part of two decades competing to be recognised as the greatest footballer of their generation.
Their rivalry became particularly intense during nine seasons on opposite sides of El Clasico, when Messi represented Barcelona and Ronaldo led the line for Real Madrid.
Although their careers eventually took them away from Spain, the two icons could now renew that rivalry in a very different capacity.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to purchase 100% of Spanish second-tier side CD Eldense.
The deal would see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acquire the shares currently held by Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group, although the takeover remains subject to due diligence and approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports.
It follows Messi’s earlier investment in Catalan club UE Cornellà and provides another indication of how the 39-year-old is preparing for life beyond his playing career.
Eldense are based in Elda, Alicante, and play their home matches at the Nuevo Pepico Amat.
Founded in 1921, the club have spent much of their history outside Spain’s top two divisions but have established themselves in the Segunda División during recent years.
Messi’s arrival would instantly transform the profile of the modest club, but it would also place him into direct competition with his great rival.
Ronaldo acquired a 25 per cent stake in fellow La Liga 2 side UD Almería through CR7 Sports Investments in February.
The Portuguese international does not own Almería outright, with Saudi-owned SMC Group retaining the remaining shares, but his investment represents a significant role in the club’s long-term project.
That means fixtures between Eldense and Almería could now be portrayed as the latest instalment of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry.
Neither man would be on the pitch, but the fortunes of their respective investments would inevitably be compared whenever the two clubs meet.
There is also the possibility that the rivalry will prove short-lived at second-tier level.
Almería have ambitions of returning to La Liga, while Eldense’s immediate priority is likely to be establishing themselves and moving away from danger at the opposite end of the division.
For now, though, two of football’s most famous names are poised to compete in Spain once again.
Messi and Ronaldo once defined El Clasico. Their next battle could arrive in the rather less glamorous surroundings of La Liga 2.
🚨 BREAKING: Lionel Messi becomes new owner of La Liga 2 side CD Eldense. 🇪🇸
Messi buys 100% of the club’s currently established in La Liga 2 in Spain — follows the investment made in Catalunya side UD Cornellá.
🎥➕ https://t.co/TQeEVFTS51 pic.twitter.com/jyhQIOXg9X
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 9, 2026