Messi confronts Ronaldo again when he buys a Spanish club
Lionel Messi bought CD Eldense, becoming Cristiano Ronaldo's rival in owning a football club.
Messi confronts Ronaldo again when he buys a Spanish club
According to Vnexpress.
Context
CD Eldense, founded in 1921, currently competes in the Segunda Division and has a rich history in Spanish football. With Messi's participation, this team can attract more interest from fans and investors, while creating opportunities to compete better in the Second Division. The competition between Messi and Ronaldo now takes place not only on the field but also at the club ownership level.
Why this is important
Lionel Messi's purchase of CD Eldense not only creates a new competition with Cristiano Ronaldo but also opens a new chapter for football in Spain. CD Eldense, a team with a long history, can now be developed even stronger under the leadership of one of the greatest players of all time. This could positively impact their season in the Segunda Division, where they are looking for promotion.
Main point
- Messi confronts Ronaldo again when he buys a Spanish club.
- Lionel Messi buys CD Eldense, becoming a rival of Cristiano Ronaldo in owning a football club.
- Messi confronts Ronaldo again when he buys a Spanish club.
Lionel Messi has officially become the owner of CD Eldense Club, a team playing in the Spanish Second Division, thereby creating a new competition with Cristiano Ronaldo, who is also investing in football. On October 1, Eldense confirmed this information after the deal was completed with Colombian investment group Grupo TH. However, this transfer still needs approval from the Spanish Supreme Sports Council (CSD) to officially take effect.
The announcement from Eldense said: "The arrival of one of the most important figures in sports history as owner of CD Eldense marks the beginning of a long-term project, aimed at promoting the sporting, institutional and social development of the Club."
Messi's acquisition of Eldense means he once again faces off against Ronaldo, who has owned 25% of Almeria Club's shares through CR7 Sports Investments since February 2026. Currently, both Eldense and Almeria compete in the Spanish Second Division (Segunda Division) in the 2026-2027 season. This means that the competition between Messi and Ronaldo does not only take place on the field or in individual awards, but now also extends to the field of club investment.
In the opening match of this season, Almeria had a 3-0 victory over Eldense at home, thanks to goals from Federico Bonini, Stefan Dzodic and Nico Melamed. The two teams will definitely meet again in the return leg at Eldense's Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium.
CD Eldense was founded in 1921 in the city of Elda, Alicante province, and for most of its history, the team played in leagues lower than the top two divisions of Spanish football. Notably, in 2023, they returned to the Segunda Division for the first time since 1964. After relegation in 2025, Eldense won the right to return to the Second Division this summer.
Eldense is currently playing at home stadium Nuevo Pepico Amat, with a capacity of 5,776 seats. Messi's investment in Eldense marks the first time he owns a professional club in Spain. Previously, in April, the Argentine superstar also bought UE Cornella, but this team is currently competing outside the two highest professional divisions.
This raises questions about multi-ownership regulations in Spanish football. According to lawyer Toni Roca, CEO of Himnus Football Lawyers, an individual or legal entity can invest in many clubs in Spain, but ownership will be limited when the teams participate in the same professional tournament or when there is a risk of affecting the integrity of the tournament.
Specifically, Article 67 of the Spanish Sports Law stipulates that an investment is considered a "significant stake" when it holds 5% or more of voting rights at a sports organization participating in a professional tournament. Any such transactions must be notified to the CSD, which has the right to request further information about the ownership structure, companies involved or representatives.
If the ownership ratio reaches or exceeds 25% of voting rights, the investor needs to receive approval from the CSD before making the transaction. Otherwise, the transactions will not be valid. Article 68 also restricts an individual or legal entity from having significant shares or control in two teams in the same professional tournament to avoid conflicts of interest.
Currently, Messi owning both Eldense and Cornella has not caused any major obstacles because the two teams are competing at different levels. However, if Cornella advances and joins the professional system, Messi may have to adjust his ownership. CSD plays a key role in overseeing these significant investments and approving deals regulated under Spanish law.
What happens next
After the acquisition is approved by the Spanish Supreme Sports Council, Messi will begin rebuilding CD Eldense. Fans can expect big changes in the club's squad and strategy, aiming to improve performance in this Segunda Division season. The confrontation between Eldense and Almeria, where Ronaldo holds shares, will become the focus of attention in the upcoming matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which club did Messi buy?
Messi bought CD Eldense Club, a team playing in the Spanish Second Division.
Which club is Cristiano Ronaldo investing in?
Cristiano Ronaldo owns 25% of Almeria Club's shares through CR7 Sports Investments company.
What is the result of the match between Eldense and Almeria this season?
In the opening match of the season, Almeria won 3-0 against Eldense.
In which tournament are CD Eldense and Almeria competing?
Both CD Eldense and Almeria compete in the Spanish Second Division (Segunda Division) in the 2026-2027 season.
When will CD Eldense and Almeria meet again?
CD Eldense and Almeria will meet again in the return leg at Eldense's Nuevo Pepico Amat stadium.
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