Methyl salicylate (MeSa) is a volatile plant compound having a role in plant defense-mechanism as signal molecule. Some evidences have shown that MeSA could indirectly provide protection against chilling damage (CI). Thus, given than pomegranate fruits are sensitive to CI, the effect of MeSa treatments (at 0.01 and 0.1 mM) on reducing the incidence of CI was analyzed. Control pomegranates exhibited CI symptoms manifested by pitting and browning when fruits were stored at 20ºC after cold storage, the severity being enhanced as storage time advanced. The CI symptoms, as well as softening and increase in electrolyte leakage (EL), were significantly reduced by MeSa treatments, without significant differences among 0.01 and 0.1 mM doses. In addition, total phenolic and anhocyanin concentration and antioxidant activity were higher in arils from MeSa treated fruits than in those from controls. In conclusion in this paper we report the positive effect of MeSa on reducing CI of pomegranate fruits stored at chilling temperatures, which was accompanied by reduced softening and EL, showing a protective role on cell membranes and for increases in bioactive compounds and their related antioxidant activity have been found.