From Cornellà to Eldense: Messi's Two Acquisitions Sketch Spain's Football Landscape as Personal Club Empire Takes Shape

Fabrizio Romano's signature "Here We Go" confirmation has landed — Messi has completed his acquisition of 100% of the shares in Segunda División side Eldense, officially ascending to the club chairman's throne. This is not Messi's first venture into football investment this year: in April, he spent approximately €2 million to acquire Cornellà, a Spanish fifth-tier club. His latest move to acquire Eldense clearly underscores his strategic intent to build a personal club federation.

Founded in 1921, Eldense was established in the city of Elda in the Valencian Community, a town of approximately 55,000 inhabitants known for its footwear industry and situated just across the border from Catalonia. The club was created by a group of devoted Barcelona supporters, and the team's primary colors feature blue and red stripes, closely mirroring Barcelona's style. The club has never reached La Liga in its history, spending most of its time in the third tier, with only two promotions to the Segunda División in 1956 and 1962. It was not until 2023 that the team returned to the Segunda División after nearly 60 years away. The team's home ground, Nuevo Pepico Amat Municipal Stadium, has a seating capacity of approximately 5,776.

Eldense's start to the Segunda División campaign this season, however, has been dismal — the side managed just 2 draws and 2 losses in the opening four rounds, accumulating a meager 2 points, and currently sit at the bottom of the table in 20th place, well ensnared in the relegation zone. The club announced on Monday that it has parted ways with head coach Claudio Barragán, making him the first sacked manager in the Segunda División this season. A replacement has yet to be named. Furthermore, according to Spanish outlet Marca, Messi intends to settle in Elda for an extended period after his retirement.