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.
In Book XII, Messapus is again listed among the captains of the armies, characterized as "radiant in gold and purple". He launched a spear at Aeneas, dislodging the top from his helmet, and inciting him to anger. As the battle reached its climax, Messapus and Atinas were the last line of defense for the Rutulians at the gates of Laurentum.