Lionel Messi set for takeover of Spanish club as Barcelona icon agrees to become minnows’ sole owner

LIONEL MESSI is reportedly on the verge of becoming the new owner of Spanish minnows CD Eldense. The Argentine legend, 39, announced his international retirement last month. Lionel Messi is edging towards becoming the new owner of CD Eldense Credit: AFP The Inter Miami forward has reached an agreement in principle to snap up the Spanish minnows Credit: Shutterstock Editorial And Messi, who is in the running to bag a NINTH Ballon d’Or after being being named among the 30 nominees, has given another indication that he is preparing to hang up his boots. The Inter Miami forward has taken strides towards sorting out his future away from the pitch. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Reliable reports in Spain, including from AS, claim Messi has reached an agreement in principle to snap up Eldense. The Barcelona icon is preparing to become the sole owner of the second-tier Spanish side in a deal which would involve bagging 100 per cent of the shares. Plans have been made to announce the shock change of ownership in the coming days. And the Mayor of Elda, Ruben Alfaro, has hailed the decision for Messi to complete a takeover. He said: “We received confirmation tonight that an agreement in principle has been reached. “But at this time, we must exercise the prudence that these situations require and wait to see if the deal is finalised. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS “In any case, we should once again feel proud of our city and the football club that represents us. “The fact that a figure like Leo Messi has taken notice of us and intends to invest in the club and in Elda is, obviously, spectacular news. “In any case, we will respect the negotiation timeline and the confidentiality required in these processes before making a broader assessment. But we are very happy, to be honest.” Messi, who missed out on World Cup glory thanks to Argentina’s narrow defeat to Spain in the summer, also took full ownership of UE Cornella in April. Messi is planning to buy 100 per cent of the club’s shares Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Argentine is preparing for life away from the pitch Credit: Reuters And his lawyers have been holding negotiations with Eldense’s current owners for a prolonged period. The Alicante-based side are still searching for their first Segunda Division win of the season. Comment now