Lionel Messi receives lowest rating since 2008 as he drops below 90 for the first time in 16 years after EAFC 25 stat comes to light
Lionel Messi has received his lowest rating on EAFC since 2008, with the latest edition of football game EAFC 25 set to be released on September 27. For the first time in 16 years, the legendary Argentine playmaker has dropped below a 90 rating in the gaming franchise.
For well over a decade, Messi was one of the highest-ranked players on the EAFC franchise (formerly FIFA), sitting firmly in a rating above 90. However, the ratings for the latest game in the franchise have been revealed, and the legend has dipped to 88. This will make him the joint-16th highest-rated player in the game (via The Sun).
When Lionel Messi first emerged on the FIFA franchise, he was only a teenager, rated at 78 in FIFA 06. His talent was impossible to ignore and he made major jumps within three seasons, ranking 90 by FIFA 09. Since then, the Argentine has maintained that impressive ranking, averaging between 92 and 94 over the years.
Now, with his ranking at 88, he is no longer at the top of the franchise. That position is now held by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, his teammate Rodri, and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe. The trio are the highest-rated on the game, with an impressive 91. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are rated next on 90.
Other players come right behind them at 89, with Kevin de Bruyne, Martin Odegaard, Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah. Lionel Messi comes at this point with a ranking of 88.
Messi's rating isn't much of a surprise given that he is 37 and does not currently ply his trade in Europe. He still remains one of the best players in the world, having recently won Copa America with Argentina.
When Lionel Messi spoke about his future with Argentina
After Argentina beat Canada 2-0 and cemented a spot in the final of the Copa America 2024 back in July, Lionel Messi spoke about his future with the national team. The legendary playmaker notably retired from international duty back in 2016 before reversing his decision.
The forward has since led them to win Copa America 2021, the Finalissima 2022, and the World Cup in 2022. There have been doubts concerning Messi's future, as he has since entered his late 30s. However, he revealed that he planned to continue with Argentina (via Marca):
"As I've said before, I intend to continue. I intend to keep living day by day without thinking about what will come in the future or whether I'll continue or not. It's something I just live each day. I'm 37 years and only God knows when the end will be."
Argentina went on to win Copa America 2024, beating Colombia 1-0 in the final at the Miami Gardens in Florida.