In July 2004, Iliev went abroad and joined Italian side Messina on a free transfer. He made 29 appearances and scored once in his debut season in Serie A, as the club finished in a respectable seventh place.
Iliev departed for Italy in July 2004 and signed with Messina on a free transfer. During his first season in Serie A, he played 29 games and scored one goal, helping the club secure a respectable seventh-place finish.