by Naim Flamuri. Translation Petrit Latifi

The Mesi Bridge – stone upon stone, testimony upon testimony of a Shkodra tribe. This article discusses the Albanian tribe of Mesi from Shkodër.

The Mesi Bridge is not just a stone and an arch, but a memory. And this memory, for many, goes beyond Shkodra: towards Italy, towards Argentina… and to the name that the whole world knows today – Messi. Even as an idea, this connection is a source of pride.

According to the Shkodra cadastre of the 15th century, the Mesi family is clearly recorded in the annals of the city, as one of the autochthonous Shkodra families. This archival evidence is also reinforced by the toponymic heritage: the Mesi Bridge, which even today stands majestically and shines as a monument of the city’s identity.

So, the Shkodra origin of the Mesi family is indisputable, sealed both by historical documents and by the very name of the bridge, which remains a living testimony of the presence and importance of this family in the history of Shkodra.

Names extracted from Italian reports

The village (Villa) called Messi, whose mayor is Vucha Messi.

Vucha Messi – Vuça Messi (Chairman)

Stefano Messi the great – The great Stefan Messi

Mencha, a widow left behind by the former Progano Messi – Mença, widow of the late Progan Messi

Andrea Messi

Martin Chierpsi – Martin Kjerpsi

Sochio Maurichi – Socho Maurichi

Lazaro Maurichi – Lazar Mauriçi

Gierghi Maurichi – George Mauriçi

Stefano Messi the pizolo – Stefan Messi

Andrea Marta

Pal Messi

Jon Messi the great

The great John Messi

Jon Messi the stiletto

Little John Messi

Stefano Messi, formerly of Palli – Stefan Messi, son of the late Pal

Jon Trompsey

Nicola Trompsi

Jon Nesa

Explanations of Latin/Italian Terms:

Villa: Village.

Cauo (Capo): Headman or head of the village.

El grando / El pizolo: The big one / The little one (used to distinguish two people with the same name, usually uncle and nephew or father and son).

Vedoa relicta quondam: Widow left behind by the deceased…

Duc. (Ducati): Ducat (currency of the time).