Messias Timula
Messias Júlio Timula, known simply as Messias, was a Portuguese footballer who played as a central defender.
Club career
Born in Maputo, Portuguese Mozambique, Messias arrived at S.L. Benfica in 1967 as a 19-year old. Facing competition from Raúl Machado, Zeca and Humberto Coelho, he spent his first two seasons in the reserve team.On 21 November 1969, Messias made his first appearance for the main squad, replacing Coelho in the 53rd minute of a 1–0 away loss to Vitória de Setúbal. He would play two more games in the same season – a European Cup match against Celtic on 26 November and a league one with U.F.C.I. Tomar on 1 December.
After remaining a backup player in 1970–71, Messias had his breakthrough the following campaign, playing 26 matches in all competitions and winning the Primeira Liga title, the 1972 Taça de [Portugal Final|Portuguese Cup] and reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup. Due to strong competition from Amândio Malta da Silva and Rui Rodrigues, his playing time in 1972–73 and 1973–74 dropped; after his competition either left or lost influence, he regained a pivotal role alongside Coelho and won three more league titles, the first two as starter.
In 1977, after 123 overall appearances, Messias left Benfica and followed many teammates to the North American Soccer League. He took part in 15 games during his spell, reaching the Conference Championship final. He then returned to Portugal, playing for G.D. Riopele in their debut season in the top flight and retiring immediately after.