Sophia
The highly anticipated EA Sports FC 26 ratings have begun to surface, and for fans of Lionel Messi, the latest reveal brings a notable shift. The Inter Miami superstar sees his overall rating settle at 86, marking a continued decline since his move to Major League Soccer. This rating places him on par with his FIFA 08 statistics, a stark reminder of the passage of time in an illustrious career.
As EA Sports progressively unveils player statistics ahead of the game’s September 26 release, the focus has broadened to include top talents from various leagues, both men’s and women’s. While Messi maintains his status as the highest-rated player in MLS, he no longer features among the global elite, a position he held for over a decade. He narrowly edges out new LAFC acquisition Son Heung-min and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul for the top spot in the league.
Messi’s FC 26 Attributes: Still a Dribbling Maestro
Despite the overall rating drop from 88 in EA FC 25, Messi’s individual attributes still highlight his unparalleled quality. His dribbling remains exceptional, boasting a formidable 90 rating. Shooting and passing are also highly rated at 85 each, reflecting his continued prowess in these key areas. His full stat breakdown is:
- PAC (Pace): 78
- SHO (Shooting): 85
- PAS (Passing): 85
- DRI (Dribbling): 90
- DEF (Defense): 33
Messi leads a star-studded Inter Miami squad, with only seven players in the MLS achieving an 80-rating or higher. Rodrigo De Paul stands out with an 84-rating, making him the third-best in MLS, followed by Sergio Busquets at 80, Luis Suárez at 79, and Jordi Alba at 78.
Context of the Decline: Age and Team Performance
The 38-year-old’s rating adjustment is largely attributed to his age and Inter Miami’s recent struggles. Despite a remarkable individual goal tally of 19 MLS goals in as many games midway through the 2025 MLS season, the team’s inability to secure consistent success, culminating in their exit from the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, likely influenced EA Sports’ decision. This decline is a natural progression as the legendary forward approaches the twilight of his career, a common trend for even the greatest athletes.
Messi’s EA FC Ratings Through the Years: A Historical Perspective
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023 with an impressive 91 overall rating, Messi’s EA FC rating has seen a steady, albeit expected, decline. His current 86 rating in FC 26 brings him full circle to his FIFA 08 rating, the third EA Sports title to feature the global icon. Below is a comprehensive look at his ratings journey:
- FC 26 – 86
- FC 25 – 88
- FC 24 – 90
- FIFA 23 – 91
- FIFA 22 – 93
- FIFA 21 – 93
- FIFA 20 – 94
- FIFA 19 – 94
- FIFA 18 – 93
- FIFA 17 – 93
- FIFA 16 – 94
- FIFA 15 – 93
- FIFA 14 – 94
- FIFA 13 – 94
- FIFA 12 – 94
- FIFA 11 – 90
- FIFA 10 – 90
- FIFA 09 – 90
- FIFA 08 – 86
- FIFA 07 – 85
- FIFA 06 – 78
While the decline in rating might be a talking point for fans, it underscores the incredible longevity and consistent excellence Messi has maintained throughout his career. Even at 86, he remains a dominant force in the virtual world of EA FC 26, reflecting his real-world impact on the MLS.
For more details on the latest player ratings and game features, visit EA Sports FC 26 official website.
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