Becoming AC Milan's Savior, Here Are 5 Interesting Facts About the Junior Messias
The match between AC Milan and Atletico Madrid presents a dramatic story. Junior Messias, an AC Milan player, has succeeded in being the savior of his team. In that match, he scored the winning goal (87') in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday (11/24/2021).
The victory makes AC Milan have a great chance to qualify for the next round. Here are five interesting facts about the Junior Messias.
1. Worked as a washing machine shipper before a career in football
There is something interesting about Junior Messias. His dream of becoming a footballer was delayed due to various reasons. He finally decided to work as a washing machine delivery man and brick maker. Messias actually considers football purely as a hobby while supplementing his income with the job.
His life changed in 2015, when he was glimpsed by former Torino player and Casele head coach, Ezio Rossi. He immediately rose and won the league as well as promotion to Serie D with Casele at that time.
2. The move to Chieri made him a professional footballer
Messias joined another Italian club, Chieri, in 2016/2017. He won the National Cup for that level. In 2017, he then joined Gozzano and brought them promotion to Serie C for the first time in the club's history. He also brought the club to stay in Serie C the following season.
After 2 years with Gozzano, he got a call from the Serie B club at the time, Crotone. Deciding to join Crotone, he actually played a key role by bringing Crotone back to promotion to Serie A. This achievement made him feel the highest competition of football in Italy.
3. He only joined AC Milan at the end of August 2021
Junior Messias is one of the new signings in the 2021/2022 summer transfer market. This Brazilian player moved from his old club, Crotone, with a dowry of 3.5 million euros, equivalent to IDR 56 billion.
Uniquely, the match against Atletico Madrid was his debut in the UEFA Champions League. He immediately looked impressive by scoring a goal that led to the victory. This season, he has only appeared twice in Serie A due to an injury.
4. Injuries to muscles and fitness problems have hindered the Messiah this season
Junior Messias has only played three times in all competitions this season. In Serie A, Messias played against Atalanta and Fiorentina.
Unfortunately, muscle injuries and fitness problems have prevented him from appearing with AC Milan this season. He had to rest for 3 weeks due to both injuries. Considered to have recovered, Messias will most likely be able to play in the next match against Sassuolo, Sunday (11/28/2021).
5. Messias stats since the beginning of his football career to date
Messias started his professional football career in 2016/2017, at the age of 25 to be exact. Since then, he has scored 41 goals in 169 appearances across all competitions.
The player who plays as an attacking midfielder has impressed with Crotone in Serie A 2020/2021, despite his team being relegated to Serie B. Messias' move to AC Milan is expected to improve their midfield. It proved successful when he scored the winning goal over Atletico Madrid. Will the Messias be able to appear consistent in every game going forward?