Junior Messias: From Delivery Driver to Serie A Star

The story of Junior Walter Messias is a remarkable testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of pursuing one’s dreams. From delivering refrigerators in Italy to gracing the fields of Serie A and the Champions League, Messiah’s journey is an inspiring tale of an unlikely rise to football stardom. 

This article delves into the life, career, and impact of Junior Messias, exploring his path from the amateur leagues to becoming a key player for AC Milan and the Brazilian national team.

Early Life and Arrival in Italy: A New Beginning

Junior Walter Messias was born on May 13, 1991, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He grew up loving football, much like many Brazilian kids do.  However, his early life was marked by challenges and a lack of opportunities in professional football. At the age of 20, in 2011, Messias decided to move to Italy in search of a better life, joining his brother in Turin.   

Upon arriving in Italy, Messias faced the realities of starting anew in a foreign country. He took on various jobs to make ends meet, including delivering refrigerators and working as a bricklayer. Football, at this point, was not a primary focus but rather a passion pursued in his spare time.

The Amateur Leagues: Rekindling the Dream

While working various jobs, Messias joined a local amateur team called Sport W.L.C., a team founded by Peruvian immigrants in Turin. This marked the beginning of his journey back into organized football. He quickly impressed with his skill and talent, attracting the attention of other amateur clubs.

Messias then joined ASD Magliano, another amateur team, where he continued to excel. His performances caught the eye of former Torino player and coach Ezio Rossi, who played a crucial role in his development. Rossi recognized Messias’s potential and helped him refine his skills and tactical understanding of the game.   

Through these experiences in the amateur leagues, Messias rediscovered his love for football and began to seriously consider pursuing it as a career.

Professional Debut and Rise Through the Divisions: Climbing the Ladder

In 2015, at the age of 24, Messias finally made his professional debut, signing for Casale, a club in Serie D (the fourth tier of Italian football). This was a significant step in his career, marking his transition from amateur to professional football.

Messias continued to impress at Casale, scoring goals and showcasing his attacking abilities. His performances earned him a move to Chieri, another Serie D club, where he further developed his game.

In 2017, Messias joined Gozzano, a club in Serie C (the third tier). This move marked his first experience in professional football at a higher level. He continued to perform well, contributing goals and assists and attracting the attention of clubs in higher divisions.

Serie B and the Breakthrough: A Star is Born

In 2019, Messias made a significant breakthrough, signing for Crotone in Serie B (the second tier). This was a crucial moment in his career, providing him with the platform to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.

Messias quickly established himself as a key player for Crotone, playing as an attacking midfielder or winger. His dribbling skills, creativity, and eye for goal made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

In the 2020-21 season, Messias played a pivotal role in helping Crotone achieve promotion to Serie A. He scored 14 goals and provided several assists, earning widespread recognition for his performances.   

Serie A and the Champions League: Reaching the Pinnacle

The 2020-21 season marked Messias’s debut in Serie A, the top tier of Italian football. He continued to impress with Crotone, even though the team struggled and was eventually relegated. His performances against top Serie A clubs, however, cemented his status as a player capable of competing at the highest level.

In the summer of 2021, Messias made a dream move to AC Milan, one of the most prestigious clubs in Italian and European football. This transfer was a testament to his remarkable rise from the amateur leagues to the pinnacle of the sport.   

Playing for AC Milan, Messias experienced the thrill of competing in the Champions League, the most prestigious club competition in European football. He scored crucial goals in both Serie A and the Champions League, further solidifying his place as a valuable member of the Milan squad.   

Playing Style and Strengths: A Versatile Attacker

Junior Messias is a versatile attacking player who can operate in various positions, including attacking midfielder, winger, and even as a supporting striker. He is known for his:   

Dribbling Skills: Messias possesses excellent dribbling skills, allowing him to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities.   

Creativity: He is a creative player with a good eye for a pass, capable of creating chances for his teammates.

Finishing Ability: Messias has a knack for scoring goals, with a good shot and an ability to find the back of the net.

Work Rate: He is known for his hard work and dedication, both on and off the ball.   

Adaptability: He has shown an ability to adapt to different tactical systems and playing styles.

These qualities have made him a valuable asset to any team he has played for, from the amateur leagues to AC Milan.

FAQs

Who is Junior Messias? 

Junior Messias is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger. He is known for his technical skills, dribbling ability, and versatility in attacking positions. Messias gained attention for his performances in Serie A, where he plays for AC Milan. His rise to prominence is a testament to his dedication and determination in overcoming adversity.

Where was Junior Messias born? 

Messias was born on May 13, 1991, in the city of Belo Horizonte, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Despite growing up in a country rich in football talent, Messias’ path to professional football was unconventional, starting later than many of his peers, which makes his story even more remarkable.

What is Junior Messias’ football journey? 

Junior Messias’ journey to professional football is a unique one. Unlike many footballers who are part of youth academies from an early age, Messias worked in a variety of jobs before pursuing football full-time. His rise came through playing for smaller clubs in Brazil and Italy before making his big break in Serie A with Crotone, and eventually earning a transfer to the prestigious AC Milan in 2021.

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