Elda abuzz as Messi move for Eldense sparks hope and doubt | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Leo Messi has a preliminary agreement with Colombia's Grupo TH to acquire all shares in CD Eldense. The development has gripped Elda, though some locals admit to mixed feelings.

In plazas, cafes and around Nuevo Pepico Amat, residents say it dominates every chat, with fans such as Bruno Montesinos expressing disbelief. Others, including veteran Ángel Luna, insist the crest comes first and question the business case with crowds of about 5,000.

Many supporters are buoyant. Bruno Montesinos, who leads the El Decano supporters' club, notes the mood has swung from losing club icon Claudio Barragán to the shock of seeing Messi's name linked to backing Eldense.

Near the ground, Fernando Poveda believes Messi's profile could take the club to another dimension. Fellow fan Pedro Maestre argues the move could also help the Argentine by providing a route into professional football he did not have with Cornellà.

Long-time follower Joaquín Martínez Pulido recalls Eldense were close to disappearing not so long ago, and says the prospect of Messi's involvement feels enormous. He adds that the global exposure could attract new supporters from every continent.

There is, however, anger at the first move by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's team, the dismissal of coach Claudio Barragán. Fans including Luna and Verónica Sánchez, who heads the all-women Frente Femenino Eldense, call it unfair and urge caution as events unfold.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”