Brazilian footballer Junior Walter Messias aka Junior Messias. Photo; Courtesy
In a world where football prodigies are discovered in their early teens, his story stands apart—raw, unlikely, and deeply human. Born in Brazil in 1991, he was never seen as a footballer in the traditional sense. No youth academies. No professional debut in his homeland. His early years weren’t marked by trophies or scouts, but by personal struggles and a life-threatening mistake.
His path took a dark turn when, in his early 20s, he was involved in a car accident while driving under the influence. The incident nearly cost him his life—and it became the catalyst for a seismic shift in direction.
In 2011, seeking a new beginning, he left Brazil and traveled to Italy. But football was still far from reach. He worked as a bricklayer, electrician, and delivery driver—manual labor that paid the bills, but never hinted at the dream he still carried inside.
That dream, however, refused to die.
In 2015, at the age of 24, he got his first shot—joining Casale, a club in Italy’s fifth division. No lights, no cameras, just grit and grassroots football. From there, he slowly climbed the ranks. Serie D. Then Serie B. He kept going, undeterred, until a breakout moment arrived: promotion to Serie A with Crotone.
At 29, he had reached the top flight of Italian football—a milestone that, years earlier, would’ve seemed impossible.
But the story didn’t end there.
In 2021, at the age of 30, came the call of a lifetime: AC Milan. Not only did he join one of the most historic clubs in the world, but he played a key role in their Serie A title win, and went on to score in the Champions League—the pinnacle of European football.
Today, at 33, he continues to compete at the elite level, not just as a player, but as an emblem of perseverance. He defied the odds, redefined what it meant to “make it” in football, and—most importantly—he overcame himself.
He may not have been a wonderkid. But he is a wonderful story.
“From almost losing his life to reaching Serie A at 29. Everything comes to those who work for it.” 🙏🇧🇷
His journey proves: it’s never too late when you believe—and work— for something greater.
