In an official statement released Thursday (October 1, 2026), CD Eldense confirmed that Messi has acquired majority ownership of the 105-year-old club, describing the takeover as the beginning of an ambitious long-term project aimed at driving sporting, institutional, and social development. CD Eldense, founded in 1921 and based in Elda, plays its home matches at the 5,776-seat Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium. The acquisition remains subject to final regulatory approval from Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD). The move marks Messi's second Spanish club ownership, following his acquisition earlier this year of fifth-tier semi-professional side FC Cornellà. Because both teams operate three divisions apart, the dual ownership poses no immediate conflict under Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regulations, though future promotion could require structural adjustments regarding multi-club shareholding.