Carolina Holguin Urges Lionel Messi to Honor Eldense's Legacy After Takeover
The outgoing president of Eldense, Carolina Holguin, has made a heartfelt plea to Lionel Messi following his historic acquisition of the Spanish second division club. Holguin, who recently stepped down, encouraged the football legend to respect the club’s 105-year-old traditions and inspire the local community with ambitious goals.
End of an Era for Eldense Leadership
Holguin’s departure came after Messi completed the takeover, officially ending her tenure at the Estadio Municipal Nuevo Pepico Amat. Since purchasing shares from Pascual Perez in October 2025, she played a key role in helping the men's team climb back to La Liga, while also supporting growth in the women’s squad and youth academy. She urged supporters to warmly welcome their new owner from day one.
Peace of Mind with Messi at the Helm
In a public farewell message, Holguin expressed pride and confidence in handing over control to one of football’s most iconic figures:
"For me, being able to hand over the reins of this club to him today is an enormous source of pride and, above all, gives me the peace of mind of knowing that I leave it in the best hands."
She added a direct appeal:
"Take care of it, respect what it means to its people and, above all, bring big dreams to Elda."
Challenges Behind the Scenes
Holguin’s presidency was marked by difficult decisions aimed at securing the club’s financial stability. She acknowledged that many of these choices were complex and sometimes unpopular but believes the future holds great promise under Messi’s leadership. She called him the greatest living legend in world soccer, confident he can lead Eldense to extraordinary heights.
Eldense Looks Ahead to Upcoming Matches
As the club transitions ownership, the focus now shifts back to the pitch. Eldense currently sits 16th in the Segunda Division, having earned just five points from their first five matches. Their next challenge will be hosting Eibar this weekend, a crucial fixture if they aim to move away from relegation threats and embrace the fresh start ushered in by new ownership.
- Match: Eldense vs Eibar
- Date: 19 September 2026
- Time: 19:30
- League: Segunda Division
Following that, attention will turn to Major League Soccer action featuring Inter Miami CF and San Diego FC.
