EA Sports FC 25 could be on the verge of reigniting one of football’s greatest debates with a potential Flashback Lionel Messi SBC. A cryptic tweet from FIFA Trading Romania has sent the FUT community into a frenzy, hinting at a second massive SBC following the recent Flashback Cristiano Ronaldo. If EA is planning to drop a special Messi card, it could be one of the most hyped releases in Ultimate Team history.
Could Messi Be the Next Flashback SBC?
The leak came in the form of a vague but powerful message from FifaTrading Romania.
The reference to Ronaldo’s Flashback has many speculating that another legendary player is on the way. Given EA’s history of balancing major releases between Ronaldo and Messi, the natural conclusion is that Messi could be next in line.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Messi just received an Evolution upgrade, allowing players to boost his stats and add five-star skills. Historically, EA tends to follow up an Evolution boost with a full promo card or SBC, making a Flashback Messi even more plausible.
But what would EA be flashing back to? Messi has only had one FUT Birthday card in history, and if this is indeed a Flashback SBC, it could be inspired by his Barcelona glory days or one of his standout seasons in FIFA history.
What Would a Flashback Messi Look Like?
If a Flashback Messi is coming, the biggest question is how EA will design the card. Ronaldo’s SBC was a nod to his prime, featuring five-star skills and five-star weak foot, making him one of the most desirable players in the game. If EA follows the same formula, Messi’s Flashback could receive:

- Five-star skills & five-star weak foot (making him an instant meta attacker)
- Boosted pace and dribbling to reflect his prime years at Barcelona
- Elite play styles like
Trickster+, Finesse+, and Incisive Pass
If Messi does get a Flashback card, it could instantly rival Ronaldo’s and once again divide the community on who the true GOAT is in Ultimate Team.
Could EA Drop Neymar or Mbappé Instead?
While Messi is the most likely candidate, there are a couple of other big names in the mix. Kylian Mbappé has had one of the most overpowered FUT Birthday cards in history, and many players would love to see a return of the infamous five-star, five-star Mbappé from FIFA 21.
Neymar is another wildcard option. Despite his transfer to the Brazilian league, EA could still find a way to release a special Neymar card, similar to how they handled Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League Flashback. If Neymar were to be included, he might feature unique chemistry rules, just like Ronaldo and Dani Alves did in FIFA 23.
How This Could Impact the FUT Market
If Messi is the next Flashback SBC, expect major movements in the market:
- High-rated SBC fodder prices will skyrocket as players prepare for an expensive challenge. If you’re holding onto 87-91 rated cards, this could be your moment to sell for a profit.
- Messi’s existing cards could see price shifts depending on how good the Flashback version is. If the SBC is cracked, expect his gold and previous special cards to drop.
- FUT Birthday cards might continue to crash as attention shifts to this potential Messi release. Players looking to afford Messi’s SBC may sell off expensive tradable cards.
Learn more about the FUT market from TheFutAccountant in this video.
When Will We Know More?
With FUT Birthday content dropping daily, leaks usually surface a few days before a major SBC release. If a Flashback Messi is coming, we can expect more concrete information soon.
For now, the FUT community remains on high alert, waiting for any signs that EA is about to drop one of the biggest cards of the year. If this leak turns out to be true, it could be the defining moment of FUT Birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Flashback Messi SBC coming to FUT Birthday?
While not officially confirmed, leaks suggest that EA Sports FC 25 could release a Flashback Messi SBC during FUT Birthday. The speculation comes from a tweet hinting at a major player release following Cristiano Ronaldo’s Flashback SBC.
What would a Flashback Messi SBC look like?
If EA follows the pattern of the Ronaldo SBC, a Flashback Messi could feature five-star skills, five-star weak foot, and boosted pace and dribbling, making him one of the most desirable attackers in Ultimate Team.
How would a Messi SBC impact the FUT market?
A Messi SBC would likely increase the price of high-rated fodder as players rush to complete the challenge. It could also affect the value of his existing cards, depending on the stats and cost of the new version.
Could EA release Neymar or Mbappé instead?
While Messi is the frontrunner for the next big SBC, there is speculation that EA could instead release a Flashback Neymar or Mbappé, both of whom have had legendary FUT Birthday cards in the past.
When will we know more about the next Flashback SBC?
Leaks typically surface a few days before major SBC drops, so expect more information soon. If Messi is coming, official leaks should confirm it within the next few days.
Should I save my FUT Birthday packs for a Messi SBC?
If you’re interested in completing a potential Messi SBC, it might be worth saving high-value packs and SBC fodder until an official confirmation or leak provides more details.