Raphael Messi grew up in Grapevine as the middle child of four. After his mother left during middle school, he was raised by his father and spent most of his youth feeling like a screw-up. He barely made it through high school and convinced his dad to help him move to Los Santos, only to be cut off completely once he arrived. Alone and broke in a new city, he enrolled in an online Pre-Law program at the University of Gnomes and earned his degree in 2022, something he never imagined himself doing.

He started at the bottom as an administrative assistant at the RPD, handling FOIA requests, MDTs, and gun licenses. During slow shifts, he learned by asking attorneys what to study and how to get started. He later joined the Public Defender’s Office with no training and no safety net, taught himself everything, and rose through the ranks to become State Defender. In that role, he built training and mentorship systems that turned the department into a full legal team.

Later, he joined the DOJ to see the law from the other side, becoming a Senior Prosecutor. Raphael’s career was built from scratch through hard work, mistakes, and refusing to quit. Now, as a Circuit Judge, he’s found the role that fits him best. The courtroom gives him structure and purpose, and he genuinely loves the job because it’s one of the few places where everything makes sense. Outside of court, Raph deeply cares about the people around him, even when he struggles to show it the right way, and he’s grateful for the people who believe in him when he doesn’t.

"failing upwards" Raphael Messi
Loves dad jokes.
People who take care of chickens are literally chicken tenders.
His Dad was born in Mexico, and his Mom was from Oklahoma
Loves Godzilla more than life.
Justice is a dish best served cold; if it were served warm, it would be just water.
He currently holds a degree in Pre-law from the University of Gnomes
His favorite color is Blue.
His favorite song is AJR - Karma.
The current song stuck in his head is BoyWithUke - Paper Planes
Raphael PDO promotion dates

• Paralegal- 10/19/2023
• Public defender- 11/15/2023
• Senior Public defender- 01/11/2024
• Assistant State Defender- 02/23/2024
• Acting State Defender- 02/24/2024
• State Defender- 05/29/2024
• stepped down as State Defender 12/05/2024

Raphael DOJ promotion dates

• Paralegal- 02/12/2025
• Prosecutor- 02/21/2025
• Senior Prosecutor- 05/29/2025
• Resigned from DOJ -07/11/2025

Raphael judiciary promotion dates

• Magistrate- 07/11/2025
• Circuit Judge-11/14/2025
• Associate Justice- 02/04/2026

Raphael likes to write his thoughts using the notes app on his phone. Raphael Messi- World's Smallest Violin
Artwork/Photos
𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘢𝘱𝘩 𝘋𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨