Punic Wars trigger

Thats not correct. The first punic war saw Rome gain Messana by default in 264. It was given to them for the most part once the Carthaginian garrison fled without a fight. After witch the King of Syracuse became a protectorate of Rome. It wasn't sacked. Then they got Agrigentum in 262 and Captured Panormus in 254. After years of naval conflict and failed raids to Africa they got Lilybaeum and ousted Carthage from the island completely in 241. After a mercenary revolt in Sardinia and Corsica Rome saw a chance and demanded the two islands be handed over to them in 238. Thats pretty much how the 1st Punic war was fought.