Messi FIFA Cards Overview
When it comes to iconic footballers in video games, few names are as legendary as Lionel Messi. Since his debut in FIFA 06, Messi has featured on hundreds of FIFA Ultimate Team cards, with attributes reflecting his real-life evolution from a rising talent to a global icon. In this FIFA Messi Cards Overview, we break down his most impactful cards, trace his journey through different FIFA eras, and help you discover the Messi best FIFA card to use in your squad.
Whether you’re a seasoned FUT veteran or a casual fan, understanding how Messi’s cards have changed over time can give you a better edge in building your dream team—and a deeper appreciation for his digital legacy.
FIFA Messi Card Positions & Chemistry Links
Over his many FIFA iterations, Messi has played a variety of positions—each bringing different tactical strengths and chemistry options to Ultimate Team. Understanding these roles is key to optimizing squad builds:
- RW/RF (Right Wing / Right Forward) – His most iconic and frequently used position. Best for wide formations, especially 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. He excels here in cutting inside on his left foot and playing finesse shots.
- CAM/CF (Central Attacking Midfielder / Center Forward) – Ideal for creative players who want Messi more involved. These positions allow him to distribute, take long shots, and arrive late into the box.
- ST (Striker) – While rarer, Messi’s ST cards are deadly with the right chemistry style. When paired with high agility and curve, he can become a clinical finisher despite lacking physical dominance.
Chemistry Links
Messi has always had strong chemistry links thanks to his clubs and nationality:
- Barcelona: Easy links with La Liga and legendary players like Suarez, Neymar, or Jordi Alba.
- PSG: Opened links to Neymar, Mbappé, Hakimi, and Ligue 1 squads.
- Argentina: Compatible with high-tier players like Di María, Dybala, and FUT Heroes.
- Icons/Heroes: Since Messi is always a top-tier card, he fits smoothly into mixed squads when paired with Icons or chemistry-bridging Heroes.
The key takeaway: no matter where you play him, Messi remains one of the most flexible and linkable players in FUT history. If you're looking to upgrade your squad fast, consider using a trusted EA Sports FC 25 Boost Service to unlock high-tier rewards and maximize your Messi card’s impact early in the season.
Messi FIFA Cards by Year
FIFA 10
Lionel Messi's FIFA 10 cards began to reflect his emergence as one of the best dribblers in world football. With an outstanding 99 dribbling stat, these cards were built for agility and quick movement on the wing, making him a nightmare for defenders even early on in his FUT legacy.
FIFA 11
In FIFA 11, Messi’s cards received noticeable boosts across the board. His 96-rated CF card was one of the most versatile forward options available, and multiple in-forms made him viable across different squad types. These cards introduced FUT players to the unstoppable finesse shot meta.
FIFA 12
This year marked Messi’s statistical peak in the FUT era, with the iconic 99-rated card featuring perfect 99s in Pace, Shooting, Passing, and Dribbling. He dominated Weekend League matches and squad battles alike. His lower-tier cards still maintained elite status in any build.
FIFA 13
Messi’s FIFA 13 cards introduced a slight shift toward central positioning with CF and ST versions. These cards were prized for creative playstyles, and his high-rated in-forms were especially popular in La Liga builds. His dribbling and composure stats made him ideal for tight gameplay.
FIFA 14
FIFA 14 continued Messi’s reign at the top with strong IFs and TOTS cards. The standout was his 98-rated CF card with near-perfect attributes, highly valued for endgame squads. With pace still at 97 and shooting/passing nearly maxed, this was a golden year for Messi in FUT.
FIFA 15
Messi transitioned back to RW in many of his cards, a strategic shift that gave more chemistry flexibility. His 98-rated TOTY card was among the best ever created in FUT history. He also received a unique Orange Man of the Match card, which was a collector favorite.
FIFA 16
Messi’s cards in FIFA 16 are widely remembered for peaking in agility and finesse. His 99-rated TOTY RW card is considered one of the greatest of all time, boasting near-perfect stats in every major category. This year also brought a diverse set of promo cards including purple Hero and red Champions versions, making Messi incredibly flexible across formations.
FIFA 17
In FIFA 17, Messi featured in numerous promotional squads including FUT Birthday and SBC specials. His gold base card rated 93 remained elite, but higher-end users gravitated toward the 99 TOTY and 98-rated TOTS versions. This was also the year of one of his most balanced CAM cards.
FIFA 18
Messi's cards in FIFA 18 leaned more into attacking flexibility. From RW to ST, his cards were highly adaptable for hybrid builds. His 98-rated RW TOTS card and 97 CF promo version were tournament favorites. The World Cup mode also introduced a unique version that helped redefine national squad compositions.
FIFA 19
FIFA 19 was one of Messi’s most stacked years. With multiple 99-rated cards including TOTY and TOTS, as well as Champions League specials, Messi was the ultimate luxury pick for any serious FUT competitor. This year’s meta favored high composure and quick shooting, both of which Messi had in abundance.
FIFA 20
With the FUT meta transitioning toward quick build-up and agile wingers, Messi’s finesse-driven stats made him deadly in both wide and central positions. His 99-rated Summer Heat and TOTY cards offered insane value and were nearly unstoppable. Even his lower-rated Champions League cards remained highly usable.
FIFA 21
Messi’s final year in a Barcelona shirt came with some of his most emotional and powerful cards. TOTY, Record Breaker, and Flashback cards made him the centerpiece of many FUT squads. This year included unique PSG cards following his real-world transfer.
FIFA 22
In his first full PSG season, Messi received strong TOTY and TOTS cards with legendary passing stats. While his base pace slightly declined, his dribbling and shooting remained among the best. His 99-rated striker card was especially dominant in top-tier Weekend League teams.
FIFA 23
Messi's journey continued with multiple high-tier cards across World Cup and End of Era promos. The 99-rated ST card for Inter Miami stands as a tribute to his ongoing influence. Several PSG versions remained competitive, and chemistry links evolved thanks to new systems.
EA FC 24
The rebranded era kicked off with dynamic promos and Inter Miami versions of Messi. His 99-rated FC Pro card and TOTY edition were especially dominant, offering nearly maxed stats in every category. His cards this year reflected upgraded skill moves, traits, and a new visual identity that honored his transition to MLS.
EA FC 25
In EA FC 25, Messi's cards saw a slight overall decline in raw pace but gained tactical versatility. Featured as RW, CAM, and ST, his cards fit modern pressing and playmaker tactics perfectly. Trailblazers, TOTW, and promo items continued to highlight his vision, passing, and finesse shooting as core FUT assets.
Messi Best FIFA Card of All Time
Over the years, Messi has received dozens of special FUT cards, but a few stand out as historic milestones—both for his stats and their influence on the game’s meta. Below are the Best Messi FIFA Cards that fans and pros still talk about:
- FIFA 16 TOTY – 99 RW: The pinnacle of right-wing performance. With 99 Pace, 99 Dribbling, 98 Shooting, and 97 Passing, this card felt unfair in the hands of a skilled player. Its left-stick control and explosive finishing made it meta-defining in FIFA 16.
- FIFA 21 TOTY – 98 RW: Released during his PSG transition, this card brought finesse shooting to a whole new level. Many FUT Champs players converted it to CAM for greater impact. With a 5-star weak foot upgrade, it became dangerously unpredictable.
- FIFA 19 TOTS – 99 CF: The central Messi card that broke defenses. Positioned as a CF, it boasted elite stamina, vision, and curve, ideal for tiki-taka builds or long-range finesse spam. It also fit seamlessly into La Liga hybrids.
- FIFA 22 Flashback – 93 RW: A surprising fan favorite. Though lower-rated, it mimicked a young Messi’s playstyle: faster, more agile, and built for pure fun. Affordable and usable by all tiers of players, it revitalized Messi’s popularity mid-season.
- FIFA 23 End of an Era – 99 CAM: A final send-off to his European legacy. This card came with 5-star skills, maxed shooting and passing, and a nostalgic pink design. It celebrated Messi's FUT journey and quickly became one of the most sought-after farewell items ever released.
These five are often considered the best Messi FIFA cards not just for stats, but for their unique mechanics, emotion, and impact on how players built their squads.
Tips for Using Messi in FUT
- Dribbling Maestro: Messi is one of the best players for close control. Use left-stick dribbling, ball rolls, and body feints in tight spaces to break defensive lines. His animation set allows faster turns than most players.
- Utilize Finesse & Outside Foot Shots: Leverage his Finesse Shot and Outside Foot Shot traits. Cut inside from the right wing and shoot with his magical left foot for easy top-corner goals.
- Play Him Central: While many Messi cards are RW, converting him to CAM or CF lets him orchestrate attacks, make through balls, and control tempo. Central play unlocks his elite vision and passing.
- Chemistry Styles:
- Hunter – for boosting pace and finishing if you're playing him in a striker role.
- Catalyst – if you're using him as a CAM to improve passing range and sprint speed.
- Engine – perfect for balanced midfield play, improving agility and passing without sacrificing stamina.
- Don’t Force Physical Play: Messi won’t win shoulder battles, but he doesn’t need to. Use his balance, positioning, and low center of gravity to glide past defenders. Avoid long balls or aerial duels.
- Pair Him with Fast or Strong Attackers: Messi shines most when he’s supported. Pair him with pacey strikers or tall target men to create passing triangles and movement off the ball.
Whether you’re competing in Rivals or crafting a dream squad for Weekend League, Messi is a consistent game-changer if used correctly.
Conclusion
Throughout nearly two decades of FIFA and EA FC titles, Lionel Messi has remained a symbol of excellence, creativity, and dominance. His cards have evolved alongside the game itself—adapting to new metas, chemistry systems, and playstyles—yet consistently delivering a unique experience that few players can replicate.
From explosive RW versions tearing down the flanks to majestic CAMs orchestrating play from deep, every FIFA Messi card offers something special. His legacy in Ultimate Team is not just about perfect stats; it’s about unforgettable moments: a last-minute finesse shot, an unbelievable assist, or a dazzling dribble through four defenders.
Whether you're chasing trophies in FUT Champs or building a squad filled with legends, securing Messi best FIFA card has always felt like owning a piece of football magic. To afford top-tier players like Messi or build a dream chemistry squad, many players turn to buying FC 25 Coins from reliable sources to stay competitive.
As EA FC evolves, and as Messi’s career continues to inspire, one truth remains—no virtual football era is complete without a version of Messi dazzling on your pitch.
FAQ
Not really. Despite low strength, his balance, agility, and ball control make him extremely difficult to dispossess. His playstyle focuses on finesse rather than physical duels.
Absolutely. While his base pace has declined slightly, chemistry styles like Hunter or Engine keep him relevant. His animations, traits, and passing make him a top-tier CAM or RW even in EA FC 25.
Change Log
- 15.05.2025 - Messi FIFA Cards Overview published.