Leo Messi is no stranger to Valencian soccer. During the 17 years the Argentine star spent in La Liga, he faced five teams from the Valencian Community (Valencia CF, Levante UD, Villarreal CF, Elche CF, and Hércules CF), with the results mostly going his way and not so well for Valencian soccer fans. However, the story has taken a new turn, and Messi has returned to La Terreta—but this time to become the owner of CD Eldense.
The Argentine soccer player has reportedly reached an agreement with the club’s current owners for 100% of the shares in the club, which currently plays in the Spanish Second Division. And, although no figures have been disclosed for privacy reasons, the purchase is estimated to be worth around 12 million euros. However, the transaction has not yet been officially completed and is subject to the necessary legal procedures and approval by the Higher Sports Council.
With this transaction, Messi once again dons the blue-and-red colors (though not on the field) and returns to Spanish professional soccer five years later—this time from behind the scenes. This news has been met with widespread joy by Eldense fans and the residents of the Alicante town, as they hope it will mark a turning point for the club (currently in relegation territory) and bring greater visibility to the municipality.
This is the second Spanish club the Argentine soccer player has acquired in the past year: last April, the purchase of UE Cornellà, from the Catalan Third Division, was announced for approximately 2 million euros. That deal already signaled his interest in investing in Spanish soccer, although this time it is a much more significant investment, given the financial figures involved, Eldense’s fan base, and the fact that it is a professional club.
