Lionel Messi to buy second Spanish second division side Eldense

Lionel Messi has agreed to take over Spanish club Eldense, the second-division side confirmed on Thursday.

Eldense, based in the interior of Alicante province, will become the former Barcelona attacker's second venture into Spanish football ownership after he bought fourth-tier Cornellà in April.

The 39-year-old continues to shine for Inter Miami but retired from the Argentina national team at the end of August, following the Albiceleste's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19.

"CD Eldense can confirm that Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle with the club's current owners to acquire the shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would make him the majority shareholder of CD Eldense," the club told AFP.

"At this time, the transaction is pending completion of the final legal and contractual procedures, including the due diligence process, as well as the required authorisation from the Spanish Sports Council (CSD).

"For now, the club is unable to provide details on the financial terms of the transaction or set a definitive date for its completion, as the process has not yet been finalised.

"Once the relevant procedures have been completed and the necessary authorisations obtained, CD Eldense will officially report any developments in this regard," the club, founded in 1921, added.

– TIMES/AFP