CD Eldense announced on October 1 that Lionel Messi was taking over the club from investment group Grupo TH. VnExpress reported that completion still requires approval from Spain's Higher Sports Council. Eldense and Almeria, in which Cristiano Ronaldo holds a stake, both compete in the 2026–27 Segunda Division. The club announcement advances the ownership arrangement, but does not mean that the required regulatory approval has already been granted.