Japan World Cup midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara scored his first goal in the Italian League in Messina's 2-2 draw with Empoli on Saturday.
Ogasawara gave the home side a 2-1 lead five minutes after the break with a left-footed shot as he opened his account with Messina in his third Serie A game since joining from J. League side Kashima Antlers on loan in late August.
"Today's goal is important and I want to get more playing time and help the team win," said Ogasawara, a member of Japan's squads at the 2002 and 2006 World Cup finals.