Quote Originally Posted by katank
What's with all the retreating bull?

I attacked Messena right away and won, sacking that city.

I then proceeded to Lilybaeum and later came back to defend Messena from more Scipii.

Take the fight to the enemy.

Syracuse is one of only two cities capable of producing Spartans.

You can also access Armoured Hops there amazingly early.
katank is right. You can take Messana on the first turn. Attack the army in front of the town with everything you have (just after you sold them some maps ). The garrison will come to aid. Make sure no one will be able to return.

Then Carthage will attack you. Make a counterstrioke towards Lilybaeum. This will make them withdraw from Syracuse. Then you have time to build new troops. And you can do it much faster than they will.