Lionel Messi has reportedly agreed to complete a full takeover of Spanish second division club CD Eldense, just over a week after announcing his retirement from international football. The 39-year-old is currently in his fourth season in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami and already appears to have an eye on the future.
The Barcelona legend helped Argentina reach the final of the World Cup in the summer, before his country suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the showpiece match in New Jersey. Messi signed a new contract with Miami earlier this year that will run until the end of the 2028 MLS season, at which point the former Paris Saint-Germain player will be 41 years old.
Full Takeover of CD Eldense
A fresh report from Spain has claimed that Messi is now venturing further into the world of club ownership, with a deal appearing to be close to completion to oversee a full takeover. Spanish publication AS has claimed that Messi is on the verge of acquiring a 100 per cent stake in La Liga 2 club CD Eldense, who are currently sat in the relegation zone.
It has been reported that an agreement has been reached for Messi to become the majority owner of the Spanish second-tier club, with his lawyers said to be holding talks with TH, a Colombian investment group. The report goes on to claim that an official announcement confirming the full takeover from Messi could happen within the next few days.
Second Club in Messi's Portfolio
Should a deal get over the line, it would be the second club under Messi's ownership, with the other being Cornella, which plays in the fifth tier of Spanish football. It was just last month that Messi announced his retirement from international football, with his final match for Argentina being the defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in July.
Messi announced his retirement just a few weeks after his father, Jorge, passed away, and posted an emotional message confirming his plan to no longer represent his country.
Emotional Retirement Message
"After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team," Messi posted on Instagram. "It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, to my core, but I understand that it's the right time.
"I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football.
"There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I've given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.
"Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you all from the inside so much. Now I'm going to be just one of you, cheering and supporting you from the sidelines (in good times and bad, even more so).
"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to each and every one of the coaches, teammates, and managers I had the privilege of working with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments."
Messi continued: "I leave with the peace and pride of having given you, along with my teammates, dreamlike moments. It was incredible to have experienced it with you all. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian. Go Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my dad, I'm even more convinced than before."
