Argentine legend Lionel Messi has closed an agreement to take over Spanish second-tier CD Eldense, subject to regulatory approval, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward has taken a majority stake in his second Spanish club of the year, having acquired UE Cornellà in April.
The former Barcelona and Argentina captain reached an agreement last month to buy the entire stake previously held by the majority owners of Eldense, a Colombian investment group.
“Club Deportivo Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the club by Leo Messi, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the club’s history, which spans over one hundred years,” read a statement. official website of the club.
Founded in 1921, Eldense will be eager for an immediate boost from its high-profile new owner. The club currently sit 19th in the Second Division table and remain locked in an early-season relegation slump, having suffered four defeats in their opening seven games.