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's move abroad in July 2004 led to him joining Italian club Messina on a free transfer. During his debut season in Serie A, he made 29 appearances and scored one goal, contributing to the team's respectable seventh-place finish.