How Lionel Messi's FIFA/EA FC Ratings Have Evolved Through the Years

EA FC, the massively popular soccer video game franchise previously known as FIFA, has its origins in 1993.

While the series had already built a solid following, it truly skyrocketed in popularity during the early 2000s as EA broadened its licensing agreements, introduced more realistic player appearances, club badges and stadiums, and dramatically enhanced the overall gameplay experience.

That surge in popularity coincided with the rise of Lionel Messi. The Argentine icon rapidly transformed from a talented youngster into one of the most defining figures in the sport—and ultimately, one of the most iconic faces of the game itself.

Messi became so integral to the franchise that he graced the cover of its major international releases for four straight years. Though stars like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham have since stepped into the limelight, Messi continues to be an enormously significant figure within the series and, impressively, remains among its highest-rated players even in the twilight of his career.

So, how has EA's evaluation of Messi evolved throughout the years?

Here, we trace his FIFA/EA FC rating from his debut appearance in FIFA 06 all the way through the newest installment, EA FC 27, documenting his extraordinary journey from teenage talent to the game's greatest superstar.

Lionel Messi FIFA/EA FC Rating History