Messing started skating at age 3 after watching it in the 1994 Olympic Winter Games. He felt inspired by three-time World Champion Elvis Stojko. He got married to Lane Hodson, a former figure skater, in August 2019. Their son Wyatt was born in July 2021 and their daughter Mia was born in January 2023. He also lists outdoor ice rink making as his hobbies. Messing formerly skated pairs with Ellie Gottstein. Messing represented the USA until 2014. He plans to retire after the 2022/23 season. Coach Ralph Burghart was a National Champion of Austria and competed at the World level.