Messi buys CD Eldense: A new chess move for football's future

Lionel Messi is on the verge of completing a takeover of CD Eldense, a Spanish second-tier club, according to multiple reports. The Argentina legend has reached a preliminary agreement with TH Soluciones Group S.A.S., the Colombian investment group that controls Eldense, to acquire all its shares. The deal is expected to be officially announced within days, but still subject to approval from Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD). This comes about four months after Messi bought UE Cornellà, a fifth-tier side, on April 16, 2026. The back-to-back purchases signal that the World Cup winner is building his own football ecosystem for life after retirement. Recently retired from international duty, Messi is also expected to receive a stake in Inter Miami once his playing contract ends. Eldense, based in Elda, a town of around 55,000 people, have spent most of their history in lower divisions but have featured in the second tier in three of the past four seasons. The current season, however, has started poorly: two points from four matches and manager Claudio Barragan was sacked on Sunday. Why would Messi invest in a struggling club? The answer likely lies in the multi-club ownership model used by groups like City Football Group and Red Bull. Messi could use Eldense as a stepping stone for young South American talents, especially if he later gains a stake in Inter Miami. This strategy creates opportunities for player development and financial growth. However, owning a football club is not like playing on the pitch. It requires patience, efficient management, and dealing with pressure. Messi's brand might attract sponsors and media attention, but whether he can stabilize the team remains uncertain. The recent sacking reflects an unstable environment. Compared with other former players like Beckham or Ronaldo, Messi has the advantage of still being an active player at Inter Miami, which helps him understand the modern game's pulse. Yet, the Eldense deal depends on legal approval and the club's immediate survival. For Vietnamese fans, this trend shows that football is becoming an industry where legends still have influence beyond the pitch. If Messi successfully manages Eldense, it could open a new chapter in post-playing careers.