[3] Before 2011 the same hierarchy prevailed, according to Law 2539 of 1997, the Kapodistrias Plan, except that Messenia was a nomos and the Municipal unit was a locality (topiko diamerisma).

Messini (modern pronunciation) is not to be confused with its ancient namesake, Messene, located 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) to the north in the shadow of Mount Ithome.

Ancient Messene is an equally large but abandoned site of ruins partially occupied by the small village of Mavrommati.

The town centre is 3 km (1.9 mi) from the Messinian Gulf coast, near the right bank of the river Pamisos.

The major city of Messinia, Kalamata, is 10 km (6.2 mi) to the east of Messini and has almost 9 times its population.

Before the reorganization, the municipality of Messini contained 14 local divisions (topika diamerismata) for a total population of 11041.

[7] It was placed in Frankish territory, the Principality of Achaia, dated 1205-1432, consisting of 40 villages in Messenia and Elis.