The 39-year-old Lionel Messi is preparing to broaden his sports investment footprint, having reached a deal to acquire the Spanish Segunda División outfit Eldense.
Just prior to the 2026 World Cup, the legendary Argentine player also took control of fifth-tier team UE Cornella. At present, Messi is on the verge of securing full ownership of Eldense, a move that sets up a fascinating boardroom rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
No conflict of interest is anticipated between the two clubs under Messi’s wing, given that three tiers divide Eldense in LaLiga2 from Cornella. Nonetheless, Eldense is slated to compete directly against a franchise backed by Ronaldo.
Clubs Owned by Messi and Ronaldo Set for LaLiga2 Showdown
Messi’s long-time Portuguese counterpart recently secured a quarter-share in Almeria, another Spanish second-tier team, joining as a minority investor in the Saudi-backed organization.
During the first week of August, the 41-year-old witnessed Almeria defeat his active club Al-Nassr 2-0 during an exhibition match. In the near future, he will see them go head-to-head with Eldense.
Following the disclosure of Almeria’s updated shareholder structure, Ronaldo remarked: “I have harbored a long-standing desire to make a difference in football outside of my playing career.
“UD Almeria represents a Spanish franchise with robust roots and immense room for development,” he added. Currently, his team occupies the 12th position in the Segunda División standings.
Currently languishing in the relegation zone, Eldense have managed only a pair of points across their first four fixtures. At the start of this Segunda División campaign, Messi’s newly acquired side journeyed to Almeria and suffered a 3-0 defeat.
Once the Argentine superstar finalizes the acquisition of Eldense, his team will clash with Ronaldo’s side in the 37th round of the LaLiga2 campaign, scheduled for May 2, 2027.
This fixture is set to take place at Eldense’s home ground, potentially serving as the maiden competitive encounter between teams owned by Messi and Ronaldo.
The South American’s sporting ventures cross continental borders, as he co-founded Deportivo LSM alongside his ex-Barcelona and active Inter Milan colleague, Luis Suarez.
This team plays in the fourth tier of Uruguayan football, holding third place in the 2026 Serie B standings after gathering 18 points from their first nine games.
Even if Ronaldo decides to retire from active playing in 2027, his historic competition with Messi looks set to persist for years to come through their business investments.
