[5] When Ipswich Town played Spurs in a Premier League match at Portman Road on 12 January 2002, Messias failed to finish the game due to a calf injury, fourth official Rob Styles taking over from him.
[4] Messias gained brief notoriety in August 2003 when, while refereeing a match between Newcastle United and Birmingham City, he accidentally struck Robbie Savage in the face while signalling for a free kick.
[12] He then went on to officiate from the middle twice in the UEFA Cup in September 2004 – a first round tie between Banská Bystrica and Benfica, which the Portuguese side won 3–0,[13] and a group stage match as Feyenoord defeated Schalke 04 by 2 goals to 1.
[18] On 19 January 2006, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited announced that by mutual consent Messias would retire as a Select Group referee as of 1 February 2006.
[19] As it turned out, by the time of the announcement, he had already chosen his last game to referee in a top class competition, this being the FA Cup third round tie between West Bromwich Albion and Reading at the Hawthorns on 7 January 2006, which finished 1–1, courtesy of two penalties converted in the last eight minutes.
"[23] He ran a business, Matt Messias Consultancy Limited, offering help in coping with stressful occupations similar to that of an active professional football referee.
[27] On 25 September 2007, he attended the Leicestershire & Rutland PE & Sport Conference 2007, held at Loughborough University, where he delivered keynote addresses intended to 'Include, Improve and Inspire'.
Messias continued his teaching career at Macleans College Auckland, where he taught physical education (PE) and coached the 1st XI Girls Football team until early 2011.