Madrid, 2 October, 2026 (Nosheen): Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has officially acquired Spanish second-division club Club Deportivo Eldense, the Elda-based side announced on Thursday. Eldense, located inland from Alicante, becomes Messi’s second venture into Spanish football ownership following his reported acquisition of Cornella, near Barcelona, in April. In an online statement, Club Deportivo Eldense confirmed the takeover by Messi and said the club, founded in 1921, would begin a new chapter with ambitions to strengthen its position and expand its presence in professional football. Eldense competes in Spain’s Segunda División and plays its home matches at the Estadio Municipal Nuevo Pepico Amat, which has a capacity of 4,036 spectators. Messi, 39, has been playing for Inter Miami since 2023. According to media reports, his contract with the Major League Soccer club includes a provision allowing him to become a shareholder after retiring from professional football. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his retirement from international football in late August following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.