Argentina icon Lionel Messi has agreed to take over Spanish club Eldense, the second division side confirmed on Thursday.
Eldense, based just in-land from Alicante, will become the former Barcelona attacker's second venture into Spanish football ownership having bought fourth-tier Cornella in April.
The 39-year-old plays for Inter Miami and retired from international duty after Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final this summer.
"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," they 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).
