Book XII again lists Messapus as one of the captains of the armies, described as "brilliant in gold and purple". He threw a spear at Aeneas, taking the top off his helmet, and enraging him. At the height of the battle, Messapus and Atinas alone held the Rutulian line at the gates of Laurentum.
Book XII once more mentions Messapus as one of the captains of the armies, described as "dazzling in gold and purple". He hurled a spear at Aeneas, removing the top from his helmet, and infuriating him. At the peak of the battle, Messapus and Atinas were the sole defenders of the Rutulian line at the gates of Laurentum.