Powered by Racing City Group
1 December 2025 marked a defining moment in Messina’s football history. Under the lights of the iconic Franco Scoglio Stadium, the city came together for 125 Anni di Calcio—an unforgettable celebration of the white-and-blue jersey and the birth of football in Messina.
Organised and delivered by the new owners, Racing City Group, the “125 Legends” event was far more than an exhibition match. It was a powerful tribute to 125 years of passion, resilience, heartbreak, triumph, and unwavering love—spanning generations, divisions, colours, and eras.
Three Generations. One Shirt. One City.
From Serie A spotlights to grassroots beginnings, from San Siro setbacks to local glory, Messina’s football story was honoured in full. The San Filippo pitch was graced by three generations of champions—icons who wore the shirt with pride and helped shape the city’s football identity.
Legends such as Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Simone Perrotta, Enrico Buonocore, Carmine Coppola, Alessandro Parisi, Arturo Di Napoli, Salvatore Sullo, Marco Storari and Daniele Portanova shared the field—an extraordinary roll call that captured the imagination of fans young and old.
Before kick-off, a deeply moving tribute honoured Totò Schillaci on what would have been his 61st birthday—reminding everyone that legends live forever in the hearts of their people.
The Match: Legends in Motion
Two star-studded teams, captained by Cannavaro and Nesta—two of the greatest defenders the game has known—faced off in front of a packed stadium. Coached by Filippo Galli and Roberto Donadoni respectively, the match delivered entertainment, nostalgia, and quality.
Cannavaro’s side claimed a 3–0 victory with goals from Vincenzo Iaquinta, Stefano Mauri, and Jeda, but the true winner was Messina itself—celebrating its past while looking confidently toward the future.
A Full Evening of Celebration
Racing City Group curated a complete, family-friendly event that transformed the stadium into a festival of football and culture:
5:45 PM – Gates open
6:00 PM – Event presentation with Denny Napoli and speaker Maira
6:00–7:00 PM – Kids’ games, creator activations, meet & greets with legends
7:00 PM – Live music by Messina artist Giosué Pagano
7:15 PM – Presentation of “The History of Soccer in Messina” by Marco Boncoddo
7:30 PM – Comedy show with Denny Napoli
7:45 PM – “American-style” team presentations with Marco Cattaneo
8:00 PM – Kick-off by Mayor Federico Basile
8:30 PM – Totò Schillaci commemoration and presentation of the Bastardi di Scoglio
Every moment was designed to honour the city, its supporters, and its footballing soul.
Powered by Racing City Group
This landmark celebration was a clear statement of intent. Racing City Group didn’t just organise an event—they delivered a vision. By bringing world-class names back to Messina, engaging families and young fans, honouring legends, and spotlighting local culture, they created a night that will be remembered for decades.
125 Anni di Calcio was proof that Messina’s football story is alive, proud, and ready for a new era—built on respect for the past and belief in the future.
Messina is football. Football is Messina. And this was only the beginning.
