Lionel Messi has acquired CD Eldense, a century-old football club based in Elda, Alicante, by purchasing 100% of its shares from Colombian investment group Grupo TH. The club confirmed the takeover, hailing it as an 'exciting new era' and a long-term project for development while maintaining its identity. This deal, which still requires approval from Spain’s sports authority, the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD), follows three weeks of speculation after former president Carolina Holguin named Messi as the new owner. The acquisition faces a minor controversy, with a court in Alcobendas ordering the seizure of 15% of the club’s shares due to a debt claim against Holguin. CD Eldense, which plays at Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium and was founded by Barcelona fans, recently secured promotion back to the second tier. This move also sets up a new rivalry, as Messi’s Eldense will now face Almeria, partly owned by Cristiano Ronaldo, in LaLiga Hypermotion. Messi also owns UE Cornellà and is involved with Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM.