Table of Contents
Lionel Messi’s remarkable football career has been closely followed and celebrated in the FIFA video game series through Ultimate Team (FUT). In the world of FIFA and EA Sports FC (EAFC), Lionel Messi stands as a beacon of footballing excellence, both in reality and the virtual arena. As one of the most decorated and skilled footballers, Messi’s presence in FIFA titles has been consistently impressive, capturing his evolution through the years. This comprehensive article will take you through the history of Lionel Messi’s FUT cards, highlighting key moments, card ratings, and in-game attributes that have made him one of the most coveted players in FIFA Ultimate Team.
Lionel Messi’s Early FUT Cards: Dominance Begins
Lionel Messi’s journey in FIFA Ultimate Team started with FIFA 10, when he received his first card rated 95 overall. At that time, Messi was already recognized as one of the best players in the world, and EA Sports wasted no time in acknowledging his prowess. Let’s explore how his stats and ratings evolved over time, and what made each version of Messi unique.
Lionel Messi’s Early FIFA Cards – The Beginnings of a Legend
Lionel Messi was first introduced to the FIFA series back in FIFA 06, shortly after his breakthrough into Barcelona’s first team. From the outset, it was clear that Messi was destined for greatness, and his FIFA cards began to reflect his rise to stardom almost immediately.
FIFA 06 – Rating: 78
- Messi was just 18 when he made his debut in the FIFA series. Despite a modest overall rating of 78, he already stood out with 88 dribbling and 87 acceleration, hinting at his enormous potential.
FIFA 07 – Rating: 84
- In his second FIFA appearance, Messi’s rating shot up to 84, marking his progression into a more prominent player in world football. His 3-star weak foot and a potential Career Mode rating of 94 reflected his rapid development.
FIFA 08 – Rating: 86
- Messi earned a well-deserved +2 upgrade, raising his rating to 86. His most remarkable stats at the time included 95 dribbling, 95 acceleration, and 95 sprint speed, establishing him as one of the fastest players in the game.
FIFA 09 – Rating: 90
- Messi’s rise continued as he hit a 90 rating for the first time in FIFA 09. By this stage, he was considered one of the best players in the world, and his rating reflected that status.
Lionel Messi’s Breakthrough: The FIFA 10 Era and Beyond
The launch of FIFA 10 coincided with Messi’s solidification as the world’s best player. His FIFA cards began to reflect his consistent Ballon d’Or wins and unmatched performances at both club and international levels. Below is a breakdown of Messi’s ratings in each FIFA edition from FIFA 10 onward.
Throughout the FIFA series, Lionel Messi’s cards continued to be among the highest-rated in the game. Here’s a look at Messi’s ratings across various FIFA titles, which highlight his consistent excellence and adaptability over the years. Discover more at Futwiz – they have created a perfect overview.
| FIFA Edition | Card Rating | Position | Key Stats (Dribbling, Shooting, Passing, Pace) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA 10 | 90 (Base), 95 (End) | RW | 96, 91, 88, 93 |
| FIFA 11 | 90 (Base), 96 (Special) | RW | 97, 92, 89, 93 |
| FIFA 12 | 94 | RW | 97, 96, 91, 94 |
| FIFA 13 | 94 | CF | 96, 94, 90, 92 |
| FIFA 14 | 94 | CF | 96, 93, 89, 90 |
| FIFA 15 | 93 | CF | 95, 92, 86, 89 |
| FIFA 16 | 94 | RW | 96, 93, 88, 89 |
| FIFA 17 | 93 | RW | 96, 90, 86, 89 |
| FIFA 18 | 93 | RW | 95, 91, 88, 89 |
| FIFA 19 | 94 | RW | 96, 92, 90, 88 |
| FIFA 20 | 94 | RW | 95, 92, 91, 87 |
| FIFA 21 | 93 | RW | 95, 92, 91, 85 |
| FIFA 22 | 93 | RW | 95, 92, 91, 84 |
| FIFA 23 | 91 | CF | 95, 92, 90, 81 |
| EA FC 24 | 90 | CF | 94, 87, 90, 80 |
| EA FC 25 | 88 | RW | 92, 85, 87, 79 |
Best Tactics for Using Messi in FIFA and EA Sports FC
To maximize Messi’s potential, it’s crucial to understand how to use him in different formations and styles of play.
Positioning: While Messi is often deployed as a right-winger, experimenting with him as a central CAM or False 9 can unlock new attacking opportunities. His vision and ability to link up play are well-suited for a central role.
Dribbling Mastery: Take full advantage of Messi’s dribbling stats. Quick touches and skill moves like the La Croqueta or Roulette can create space in 1v1 situations, helping you break through defensive lines.
Finishing with Finesse: Messi excels at finesse shots, especially with his left foot. Look for opportunities to curl the ball around defenders from outside the box, capitalizing on his superior shooting stats.
Playmaking Role: Messi’s passing is just as crucial as his scoring. Use his ability to deliver precise through balls or crosses to set up your strikers or wide players. His high vision stat ensures that he can find the right pass, even under pressure.
Building the Ultimate Team Around Messi
To get the most out of Messi in FIFA Ultimate Team, surround him with players who complement his playstyle.
Midfield Support: Creative midfielders with high passing stats will help Messi stay involved in the build-up play. Players like Luka Modrić or Frenkie de Jong, known for their vision and ball distribution, pair well with Messi’s skill set.
Attacking Partners: Strikers who can make quick runs behind the defense are ideal when playing with Messi. Consider pairing him with pacey forwards like Kylian Mbappé, who can latch onto Messi’s through balls and finish chances created by his dribbling.
Defensive Backbone: Messi thrives when he has the freedom to focus on attacking. A solid defensive midfield, such as Casemiro or Rodri, allows Messi to stay forward and exploit counter-attacking opportunities.
Lionel Messi’s Special FUT Cards: Icons of the Game
Aside from his standard gold cards, Lionel Messi has also been featured in numerous special editions throughout the FIFA series. These special cards often celebrated Messi’s real-world achievements and milestones. Some of the most notable include:
- Team of the Year (TOTY) Cards: Messi has consistently featured in the TOTY line-up, with some of his highest-rated cards, including 99-rated versions that pushed his dribbling and shooting stats to unprecedented heights.
- In-Form (IF) Cards: Due to Messi’s consistent performances, he frequently earned IF cards, which provided boosted versions of his base card. These cards rewarded users with increased stats and were highly sought after in the transfer market.
- Player of the Month (POTM) Cards: Messi’s incredible performances in domestic leagues earned him multiple POTM cards, particularly during his time at Barcelona. These cards further demonstrated his dominance in the game.
- World Cup and International Special Cards: Messi’s World Cup and Copa America performances have also been recognized in FIFA, with FIFA 14 being a standout for its World Cup mode. Messi’s World Cup cards from this edition were fan favorites, reflecting his leadership of the Argentina national team and his excellence on the global stage.
Key Ratings and Milestones in Messi’s Career
Messi’s FIFA rating history mirrors his real-life success and dominance, particularly during his peak years at Barcelona and beyond. Below are some of the most significant milestones in Messi’s FIFA card journey:
- FIFA 11 – 96 Special Card: Following his first Ballon d’Or win, Messi received multiple special cards, with his highest-rated card being a 96 overall.
- FIFA 12 – 99 TOTY Card: Messi’s 99-rated TOTY card in FIFA 12 remains one of the most iconic cards ever released, boasting perfect stats in dribbling, passing, and shooting.
- FIFA 16 – 99 TOTY Card: Another milestone card, Messi’s 99-rated TOTY card from FIFA 16 became a crucial part of FUT history, defining the game’s meta.
- FIFA 20 – Multiple 99 Cards: In FIFA 20, Messi reclaimed his place as the highest-rated player after Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid, receiving two additional 99-rated cards.
Such a card made Messi a must-have for FUT enthusiasts who sought the best players in the game. His ability to dribble past defenders with ease, deliver precise through balls, and score from almost any angle ensured that his 99-rated cards were among the most expensive and coveted in the market.
Tactical Advantages of Lionel Messi in Ultimate Team
Having Lionel Messi in your squad brings several tactical benefits that few other players can match. Whether deployed as a winger or in a more central role, Messi’s stats and in-game presence offer unique opportunities for tactical flexibility. His 99-rated dribbling allows him to weave through the tightest defenses, while his exceptional finishing ensures that he converts a high percentage of goal-scoring opportunities.
Players using Messi should focus on tactics that exploit his:
- Quick, agile dribbling: Messi’s dribbling stats are unparalleled, allowing users to take advantage of his close control to navigate through defensive lines.
- Long-range shooting: With his consistently high shooting ratings, Messi is a threat from outside the box. Utilize finesse shots to maximize his scoring potential.
- Key passes and vision: Messi’s passing attributes make him an exceptional playmaker. Use him to orchestrate attacking movements, especially in formations that require a central creative presence.
Lionel Messi’s Legacy in FIFA Ultimate Team
Lionel Messi’s journey in FIFA Ultimate Team has mirrored his real-life career, from his humble beginnings as a promising youngster in FIFA 06 to his dominance as a 99-rated icon in FIFA 12, FIFA 16, and beyond. Over the years, Messi has continued to set the standard for excellence in FUT, with his cards reflecting his on-field genius. Today, his legacy lives on in FUT as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, with a rating history that speaks volumes about his legendary status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lionel Messi’s FIFA History
1. When did Lionel Messi first appear in FIFA?
Lionel Messi made his FIFA debut in FIFA 06 with an overall rating of 78. This was shortly after he broke into the Barcelona first team in 2005.
2. What is Lionel Messi’s highest-ever FIFA rating?
Messi’s highest base rating was 94, which he achieved multiple times throughout his FIFA career, including in FIFA 12, FIFA 13, FIFA 16, and FIFA 19. He also received special cards in Ultimate Team, such as his Team of the Year (TOTY) and Team of the Season (TOTS) cards, which often rated him as high as 99 overall.
3. How many special cards has Messi received in FIFA Ultimate Team?
Messi has received numerous special cards over the years, including multiple Team of the Year (TOTY) and Team of the Season (TOTS) cards. Some of his best special cards reached a 99 overall rating, showcasing his incredible in-game stats.
4. What position has Messi typically played in FIFA?
Messi has primarily been featured as a Right Winger (RW) in FIFA, but he has also been deployed as a Central Forward (CF) and Striker (ST) in special Ultimate Team cards. His RW position became permanent starting in FIFA 16.
5. Has Messi ever been rated lower than 90 in FIFA?
Messi’s first rating of 90 came in FIFA 09, and since then, he has never been rated lower than 90 in any FIFA edition. His lowest rating since then was 91 in FIFA 23.
6. What makes Messi one of the best players in FIFA?
Messi’s combination of high dribbling, agility, finishing, and vision make him one of the best players in FIFA. His cards consistently feature excellent stats for close ball control, finesse shots, and precise passing, making him a versatile and dangerous option in any squad.
7. How has Messi’s FIFA rating changed over time?
Messi’s rating started at 78 in FIFA 06 and steadily increased as he established himself as one of the greatest players of all time. His peak rating was 94, which he maintained for several editions. His rating has gradually decreased as he has aged, with a 91 overall rating in FIFA 23.
8. What is Messi’s best Ultimate Team card?
Messi’s best cards in Ultimate Team are his Team of the Year (TOTY) and Team of the Season (TOTS) cards, often rated 98 or 99 overall. These cards feature maxed-out stats in areas like dribbling, pace, shooting, and passing, making them incredibly powerful in the game.
Visit FUTFC.GG to get all the latest news and updates about FIFA and EAFC!
