[1][2] The division's lineage begins with the Brigade "Messina" established in Gaeta on 1 November 1884 with the 93rd and 94th infantry regiments.

On 3 April 1941 the division arrived in Albania and moved to positions between Shkodër and Drisht in the North of the country for the upcoming invasion of Yugoslavia.

On 12–13 April 1941 the division skirmished with Yugoslavian forces along Mount Tarabosh on the western side of Lake Skadar.

The division remained there as occupation force, with its area of responsibility covering Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Podgorica, Berane, and Kotor.

[7][8] Between 5 and 10 October 1942 the Messina participated in Operation Alfa with the aim to retake Prozor in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

[9][10] After the Armistice of Cassibile was announced on 8 September 1943 the Messina was ordered separately by German, Yugoslav, and Croatian forces to hand over its weapons and surrender.