Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterLionel Messi is set to expand his football ownership portfolio, with the 39-year-old having agreed to buy Spanish second-division side Eldense.The Argentine also acquired fifth-division club UE Cornella shortly before the 2026 World Cup. Now, Messi is set to purchase a 100% stake in Eldense - which will see him clash with Cristiano Ronaldo.There is not expected to be a conflict of interest between both Messi's teams, with Eldense and LaLiga2 separated from Cornella by three divisions. However, Eldense will face off against a Ronaldo-owned club.Messi and Ronaldo-owned clubs to battle in LaLiga2Messis Portuguese rival recently acquired a 25% stake in fellow Spanish second-division side Almeria - a Saudi-owned club that Ronaldo was able to partially opt into.In early August, the 41-year-old watched as Almeria beat his current team Al-Nassr 2-0 in a pre-season friendly. Soon, hell watch them take on Eldense. You may like What needs to happen for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to renew their rivalry at the World Cup? How many more goals has Lionel Messi scored than Cristiano Ronaldo at World Cups? Is Lionel Messi going to retire after the World Cup? With the announcement of Almerias new ownership, Ronaldo said: "It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch."UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth, he concluded. His side are currently placed 12th in the LaLiga2 table.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Eldense are in the drop zone, having taken just two points from their opening four matches. To begin the Spanish second-division season, Messis new club travelled to Almeria, and lost 3-0.Should the Argentine successfully purchase Eldense, his side will face off against Ronaldos club in match-week 37 of the LaLiga2 season, on May 2, 2027.That game will be played on Eldenses turf, and could mark the first official face-off between Messi and Ronaldo-owned clubs.The Argentines portfolio extends beyond Europe, having formed Deportivo LSM with former Barcelona and current Inter Milan team-mate Luis Suarez.The club competes in Uruguays fourth-tier, and is currently third in the Serie B 2026 table, with 18 points from nine matches.Should Ronaldo hang up his boots in 2027, his rivalry with Messi could still continue for many years.TOPICSLionel MessiRonaldoAlmeriaEldenseKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
