Stefano Pioli saw Milan play with ‘quality, courage and maturity’ to beat Atletico Madrid, while this goal is ‘just the beginning’ for Junior Messias.
The Rossoneri finally got their deserved Champions League victory this season, after so many close calls in the previous games.
Champions League | Atletico Madrid 0-1 Milan: Messias keeps Diavolo alive
Junior Messias came off the bench for his debut in European competition and rose between centre-backs to nod in the Franck Kessie cross from the left, conquering the Wanda Metropolitano.
It means their progress in the Champions League is still possible, as they need to beat Liverpool and hope Atletico Madrid and FC Porto draw.
“It’s only right to celebrate with my players, because they put in a wonderful performance,” Pioli told Amazon Prime Video Italia.
“They played with quality and courage, they always believed in themselves and it’s right now that I celebrate with them.
“This is the right path and tonight we saw and important show of this team’s maturity.”
It was the Champions League debut for 30-year-old Messias, who up until a few years ago was still in the amateur leagues and delivering washing machines to make ends meet.
“His story is wonderful, but I think this is just the beginning for him, because he has real quality. He had some difficulties when he first arrived, but now will really help the team.”
Pioli was asked about the reports that a new Milan contract will be announced imminently, doubling his salary.
“I am fully in sync with the club, there is reciprocal respect and trust. This general empathy we share has to continue like this.
“It is work that makes the difference, quality, ideas and above all results. The signature will come.”
From delivering fridges to playing in Serie D in 2015, before working his way up each stage of the Italian football pyramid to eventually join Milan! 📈
30-year-old Junior Messias bags their winner away against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League! What a story! ✨#UCL pic.twitter.com/v1oOPS7Ori
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 24, 2021
Good job mister! Keep it going.
Forza Pioli!!
Forza Milan baby!!
Forza Italian teams