Messias (footballer)

Messias Rodrigues da Silva Júnior (born 3 November 1994), simply known as Messias, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a central defender for Goiás, on loan from Santos.

América Mineiro
Born in São Mateus, Messias represented the youth academy of São Mateus and Cruzeiro before moving to the academy of América Futebol Clube (MG) in 2013. On 2 February 2014, he was promoted to the senior team, signing a deal which would keep him at the club until 2016. On 28 November 2015, he made his first team debut, starting in a 0–0 draw against Botafogo in Série B.

In the 2016 season, Messias played his first league match in a 2–0 defeat against Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, replacing the injured Roger. He played regularly in the 2017 season, featuring 47 times for the club and scoring one goal, with his side winning the Série B and thus achieving promotion to Série A.

On 5 January 2018, Messias' contract was extended until December 2022. On 30 January of the following year, Messias was loaned out to Portuguese club Rio Ave until the middle of 2020 for € 200,000.

Upon returning, Messias became a regular starter for Coelho, helping with three goals in 36 league appearances as the club returned to the first division.

Ceará
On 24 March 2021, Messias signed a contract with fellow top tier side Ceará until December 2023.

Santos
On 7 December 2022, after Ceará's relegation, Messias signed a three-year contract with Santos also in the top tier. He made his debut for the club the following 22 January, starting in a 1–1 Campeonato Paulista away draw against São Bernardo.

Messias scored his first goal for Peixe on 26 April 2023, netting the winner in a 1–0 home success over Botafogo-SP, for the year's Copa do Brasil.

Loan to Goiás
On 11 April 2024, Santos announced the loan of Messias to Goiás until the end of the year.

Honours

 * América Mineiro
 * Campeonato Brasileiro Série B: 2017