Lionel Messi has expanded his business footprint in soccer club ownership by acquiring a majority stake in Eldense, a Spanish second-division team. This marks his second investment in Spanish clubs after purchasing the fifth-division Barcelona-based side UE Cornella earlier in April 2026. Unlike a one-time goodwill gesture, these acquisitions signal the formation of a strategic portfolio reflecting Messi’s evolving focus beyond his playing career. He is approaching ownership as a serious, parallel business endeavor rather than as a hobby or retirement plan.

Messi’s timing is notable as he remains an active player for Inter Miami, where he also holds a minority stake alongside fellow player Luis Suarez. His investments now span lower-tier Spanish clubs, Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, and Deportivo LSM in Uruguay. With Forbes estimating his net worth at $1.1 billion, investing in clubs like Eldense and Cornella—both several tiers below La Liga—represents a low financial risk but a potentially high return if these teams ascend through the divisions toward more lucrative statuses involving large TV and sponsorship revenues.

The selection of Spanish clubs carries sentimental value for Messi, who moved to Spain at age 13 and built his legendary career at Barcelona. Eldense has historic ties to Barcelona, having been founded by fans of the Catalan club and still displaying Barcelona’s iconic blue and red colors. This connection likely influences Messi’s choice, though his investments also reflect a clear business vision. However, Eldense is currently facing challenges, including poor league performance, relegation risks, and the recent firing of their coach, indicating that Messi is inheriting a club needing significant operational and competitive rebuilding.

Messi’s role as majority shareholder will place Eldense under intense public scrutiny, as every decision on management, transfers, and results will be associated with him. This offers promise for enhanced sponsorship and media attention but also creates pressure to demonstrate serious ownership and management capabilities. How quickly Eldense stabilizes and progresses under Messi’s stewardship could define the first concrete evidence of his post-playing ambitions in club ownership versus a symbolic or passive investment.