La Liga
Messi is already starting to see the first results after acquiring 100% of Eldense. Just a day after the operation was officially announced, the Alicante team defeated Real Oviedo 4-1 and achieved their first victory since the arrival of the Argentine as owner.
The acquisition marks the debut of Lionel Messi, 39 years old, in Spanish professional football as an owner. The operation was announced by the club on October 1, 2026, although it still needs the necessary authorization from the Consejo Superior de Deportes to be fully completed administratively.
Messi celebrates the first victory in his new era
The debut following the announcement could not have had a better result for Eldense. Real Oviedo took the lead within seconds, but Javi Calleja's team ended up coming back with four goals during the second half.
Roberto López and Fidel scored from the penalty spot before Aingeru Olabarrieta and Jorge Rastrojo sealed the 4-1 victory in the final minutes. The result also marked the team's first home win of the season.
Messi followed the match from Argentina and later posted a picture watching the game. The Argentine accompanied the photo with a message of support to the team, confirming that he is now directly following the sporting developments of his new property.
The victory also helps alleviate the team's position in the standings, as they had started the season with difficulties. Before this match, the Alicante team had only achieved one win in the first seven matchdays.
The Messi effect is also felt off the field
Messi's arrival has not only had a sporting impact. The club's international exposure immediately increased after the operation was made public and after the Argentine shared content related to his new team.
The Eldense's social media accounts went from around 140,000 followers to over 210,000 in about 12 hours, according to data published after the victory against Oviedo. The increase reflects the media impact that the new ownership can have on the club's visibility.
The purchase also implies a change in the institutional structure. Messi acquired the shares that were owned by the Colombian group in charge of the club, making this his second investment in Spanish football after previously acquiring UE Cornellà.
The next step will be to complete the authorization from the CSD and define the new management structure. While that process is being resolved, Messi has already seen the team secure their first victory since the purchase announcement and increase their impact off the field.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Eldense despega tras la llegada de Messi
