Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading for another chapter in their legendary rivalry, this time away from the pitch.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has acquired second-division Spanish club Eldense, with the club confirming that the Inter Miami star is taking ownership of the team.
Messi’s latest investment gives him a growing presence in Spanish football after he also became the owner of Catalan side Cornella in April.
Cornella currently compete in the fifth tier of Spanish football, while Eldense play in Spain’s professional second division.
Eldense described Messi’s arrival as the beginning of “a new and exciting stage” for the club, with the Argentine expected to oversee a long-term project aimed at strengthening its sporting and institutional structure.
The club said in a statement: “The arrival in Spanish professional football as owner of CD Eldense of one of the most important figures in the history of sport marks the beginning of a long-term project with the aim of boosting the sporting, institutional and social development of CD Eldense.”
The takeover is not yet fully completed, however, as Messi’s acquisition remains subject to approval from Spain’s National Sports Council.
If the deal receives the necessary approval, Messi will have an ownership stake in Spanish professional football and could soon find himself on a collision course with his former on-field rival.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a co-owner of Almeria, another second-tier Spanish club.
That means the two football icons, who spent more than a decade competing for individual honours and global supremacy, could now see their clubs meet in the Spanish second division.
Eldense and Almeria are currently scheduled to face each other in May, potentially creating a fascinating new meeting between clubs controlled by two of football’s most recognisable names.
The first meeting of the season has already taken place, with Almeria claiming a comfortable 3-0 victory over Eldense at home in August.
Messi’s investment in Eldense adds another dimension to his post-playing career, particularly given his deep connection with Spanish football after spending the majority of his career at Barcelona.
The Argentine spent more than two decades associated with Barcelona, developing into the club’s record goalscorer and winning numerous major trophies before leaving in 2021.
Ronaldo also has a strong history in Spain, having spent nine seasons with Real Madrid and becoming one of the most prolific goalscorers in the history of the club.
Their rivalry became one of the defining stories of modern football, particularly during their years competing in La Liga.
Now, that rivalry could take an unexpected turn.
Instead of Messi and Ronaldo battling for goals, trophies or individual awards, their respective clubs could compete on the Spanish football calendar.
For Eldense, Messi’s arrival represents a major opportunity to raise the club’s profile and build a new long-term project.
For football fans, meanwhile, the possibility of Messi’s Eldense facing Ronaldo’s Almeria adds another intriguing chapter to a rivalry that has already crossed generations, leagues and continents.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
