Messi acquires Spanish second-division club Eldense

Lionel Messi has officially completed his purchase of Spanish second-division club Eldense, a deal that still awaits government approval.

• Inter Miami star Lionel Messi took over Spanish second-division club Eldense on Thursday, the club confirmed.
• The transaction remains subject to approval by Spain's National Sports Council (CSD).
• Eldense, previously owned by Colombian group Grupo TH, becomes Messi's first professional club in Spain; he bought fifth-division side Cornellà earlier this year.
• The club said the purchase begins a long-term project aimed at driving its sporting, institutional, and social development.