Ankara: Argentine football star Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to acquire Spanish second-division club Eldense, Spanish daily Marca reported Tuesday. The negotiation marks another significant step in Messi's post-playing career as he delves deeper into the world of football ownership.

According to Anadolu Agency, the transaction could be formalized once the remaining legal and contractual procedures are completed, including a due diligence review of the club. The deal will also require authorization from Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD), ensuring compliance with national sports regulations.

The agreement would see Messi acquire 100% of Eldense's shares, signaling his commitment to the club's future. The 39-year-old former Barcelona forward, who currently plays for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, recently retired from international football after Argentina were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Messi has increasingly moved into football ownership in recent years. In April, he purchased Spanish fifth-tier club UE Cornella and joined forces with former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez in Uruguay's Deportivo LSM project. Additionally, Messi became a co-owner of KRU Esports, a venture founded by his former Argentina teammate Sergio Aguero, in 2023.

Eldense, based in Elda in Spain's Alicante province, were founded in 1921 and have spent most of their history outside the top two divisions of Spanish football. They returned to the second tier in 2023 for the first time since 1964, faced relegation in 2025, and earned promotion back this summer, setting the stage for Messi's potential takeover.