Junior Messias reminisced about his trajectory from amateur football to a pivotal moment in the Champions League, divulging that he encountered threats from some Milan supporters prior to joining the club.
Originating as a deliveryman and bricklayer, the Brazilian winger engaged in amateur football before ascending through the ranks. He made his mark in Serie A with Crotone during the 2020-21 season, registering nine goals and four assists in 36 league appearances.
In the summer of 2021, Milan took a gamble on Messias, securing him on a €2 million loan deal with a €6 million purchase option. Throughout his two-season tenure in the Rossoneri first team, he showcased promise, tallying 12 goals and five assists across 68 matches.
In an interview with La Repubblica, Messias reflected on his transition from amateur to professional football. He remarked, “Embracing the absence of boundaries has been gratifying. Each advancement in my career provoked contemplation on my capabilities, whether in the realms of Eccellenza or Serie A. Originating from amateur leagues and subsequently scoring goals in the Champions League epitomizes the essence of my journey.”
He revisited his pivotal Champions League goal for Milan against Atletico Madrid in November 2021. Recounting the moment, he stated, “At the Metropolitano, an illustrious stadium, our fate hung in the balance. My entrance in the 78th minute culminated in a decisive header three minutes from time.”
Messias elaborated on the sequence of events leading to his goal, detailing, “Evading two adversaries, I advanced toward Teo Hernandez, who delivered a penetrating pass for Kessie’s run. Positioned adeptly, I seized the opportunity. The resonance of that goal will endure eternally, etched in both my memory and the hearts of Milan supporters.”
Regarding his tenure at Milan and the challenges he faced, Messias acknowledged the initial complexities and threats from certain supporters. He reflected, “Football exacts a toll, and my two years at Milan were no exception. The outset was particularly arduous, compounded by threats from disgruntled fans who voiced skepticism about my pedigree, hailing from Crotone and previously plying my trade in Eccellenza and Serie D. Nonetheless, I take pride in garnering eventual appreciation for my contributions.”