Lionel Messi news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Messi reached a preliminary deal to become majority shareholder of Spanish second-division club Eldense.
The move deepens his post-playing business ties to Spanish football.
Background
Messi, 39, currently plays for Inter Miami and recently retired from international football after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. He spent most of his career in Spain after joining Barcelona's La Masia academy at 13, and in April 2026 he bought fifth-tier Catalan club Cornella. Eldense, founded in 1921 by Barcelona supporters and based near Alicante, confirmed the agreement in principle.
How it unfolded
- Apr 16, 2026Messi completes the purchase of fifth-tier Spanish club UE Cornella.
- recentlyMessi announces his retirement from the Argentina national team after the World Cup final.
- Sep 8, 2026A source confirms to ESPN that Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to take over Eldense.
- Sep 9, 2026Eldense confirms the preliminary agreement for Messi to acquire the shares held by Grupo TH Soluciones, subject to due diligence and CSD authorisation.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Eldense said the operation is pending final legal and contractual procedures, due diligence, and mandatory authorisation from the High Council for Sports (CSD).
- Analysts
- ESPN reported that owning Eldense and Cornella is unlikely to pose problems in the immediate future since the two teams are separated by three divisions.
Still unverified
One NBC Bay Area report states Messi announced on Instagram that he is retiring from the Argentina national team; other outlets say he announced the retirement at the end of last month. The deal is not yet finalised and remains subject to due diligence and CSD authorisation.