The presence of the cognomina "Popicola" and "Messalla" indicates that he was related to the Valerii through his father.
[3] This was followed by admission to the salii Colini; the latest recorded office Messalla held was quattuorvir quinquennalis gabiis in 140.
Some have speculated that he renounced a senatorial career, but Ronald Syme believes it is more likely Messalla died before he came of age to hold the office.
[1] He married Helvidia Priscilla, born c. 115, daughter of Publius Helvidius Priscus and wife Plautia Quinctilia.
If so, Thrasea Priscus altered his gentilicum to reflect his descent through the Vipstani from the republican Valerii.