Tebas Denies Confirmation of Messi’s Reported Eldense Takeover Bid
La Liga president Javier Tebas says he has no confirmation that Lionel Messi is attempting to buy Eldense, after reports of an agreement in principle involving the Inter Miami forward and the Alicante club.
Speaking on Wednesday at a Panini LaLiga EA Sports sticker-album event, Tebas said the possible takeover had reached him through media reports rather than through any official football channels. He said he could not say whether Messi himself, or a wider investment group, was behind the proposed move.
Quick facts
- Messi has been linked with a potential purchase of Segunda División club Eldense.
- No formal confirmation has come from Messi’s representatives or Eldense.
- Tebas said he had no inside information on the reported deal.
- Cristiano Ronaldo owns a 25% stake in Almería.
- Messi, 39, is currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
The report has raised the prospect of Messi adding club ownership to his business interests while continuing his playing career in the United States. A deal for Eldense would place one of football’s most recognisable figures in the boardroom of a Spanish second-tier side.
Tebas pointed to Ronaldo’s investment in Almería as a recent example of a major former or current player taking a financial position in Spanish football. The league chief said it would be positive for the game if leading figures of Messi and Ronaldo’s stature chose to put money into Spanish clubs.
Eldense remain focused on their Segunda División campaign while the ownership situation remains unresolved. Any completed acquisition by Messi would immediately bring major international attention to the club.
What happens next is whether Eldense or Messi’s camp confirms the reported agreement and clarifies the structure of any investment. Until then, Tebas has made clear that the proposed takeover remains unverified.
