The actor would join previously announced co-star Elle Fanning, Sienna Miller and Zoe Saldana. Affleck will also produce the project along with Jennifer Todd through their Pearl Street banner, and Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Killoran through their Appian Way banner.
Set during the era of Prohibition, the film is based on Dennis Lehane novel, and follows the inner workings of organized crime of the period. Messina will portray Affleck's "best friend and partner in crime."
Messina's TV credits include work on "The Mindy Project" and "The Newsroom." On the big screen he has been seen in the indie films "Cake" and "Manglehorn."