Lionel Messi bets on Eldense, new gamble in Spain

In the modest changing rooms of UE Cornella, Lionel Messi watches the young players train, noting that, for a few months now, he is the owner of this Catalan fifth‑division club. The club itself competes in the fifth regional division of Catalonia.

The experience at the helm of UE Cornella has not satisfied him; on the contrary, Messi has expressed a desire for a more ambitious project. He said that this first adventure does not fully fulfill him.

Agreement with the TH fund

He has therefore secured a principle agreement with the Colombian investment fund TH, led by businessman Juan Carlos Trujillo, to purchase all of Eldense's shares. The agreement concerns the full acquisition of the club.

Eldense is playing this season in Liga 2, the division immediately below the Liga, considered the antechamber of the Spanish elite. This tier constitutes the second level of professional football in Spain.

The club, based in Elda near Alicante, currently sits in 20th place out of 22 teams. It has two trophies after winning four championships.

The amount of the transaction has not been disclosed, but it would exceed €12 million, a figure matching the latest known offer for the club's purchase. The operation remains confidential regarding its exact financing.

Messi and his family therefore wish to return to live in Spain after the eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner's career and the end of his contract with Inter Miami. The agreement is expected to be formalised within a few days, once the legal formalities are settled.