A bunch of player ratings and stats have been revealed for FIFA 23 including one of the greatest of all time – Lionel Messi. Here we’ll take an in-depth look at his new stats in the game.
The Argentinian wizard is undeniably one of the greatest players ever to grace the game. He was simply a sensation when he burst onto the scene at Barcelona, and basically won everything you could at the club - including a plethora of personal accolades, most notably with a staggering seven Ballons d'Or.
Now he's begun a new venture with Paris Saint Germain, playing in what is regarded as the most extraordinary attacking trio in world football - with fellow ballers Kylian Mbappe and Neymar by his side.
But, it's safe to say the Argentine has slowed down slightly, meaning this was no doubt going to have an effect on his FIFA 23 rating. This information has become clear to us now, with EA revealing ratings thick and fast.
So, with this - here's a full in-game stat breakdown for Lionel Messi in FIFA 23.
Lionel Messi’s pace breakdown in FIFA 23
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 09: Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 09, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
- Acceleration: 87
- Sprint Speed: 76
Overall Pace: 81
The Argentine's pace is depleting year on year, with a -4 from his FIFA 22 rating. He will still be quick off the mark with 87 acceleration, but his sprint speed sorely lets him down in FIFA 23.
Lionel Messi’s shooting breakdown in FIFA 23
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 19: Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain shoots as he warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League group A match between Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig at Parc des Princes on October 19, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
- Att. Positioning: 93
- Finishing: 90
- Shot Power: 86
- Long Shots: 91
- Volleys: 88
- Penalties: 75
Overall Shooting: 89
As the maestro has aged, his shooting is still certainly top-notch – which is reflected in his new FIFA stats.
Lionel Messi’s passing breakdown in FIFA 23
PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 15: Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain passes the ball between Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at Parc des Princes on February 15, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
- Vision: 94
- Crossing: 84
- FK Accuracy: 93
- Short Pass: 91
- Long Pass: 90
- Curve: 93
Overall Passing: 90
One of the great footballing visionaries, it would be a crime to have Lionel Messi's passing decreased by too much. He's still hitting the 90 mark on his overall passing attribute, which is great to see.
Lionel Messi's dribbling breakdown in FIFA 23
SAITAMA, JAPAN - JULY 23: Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the preseason friendly between Paris Saint-Germain and Urawa Red Diamonds at Saitama Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
- Agility: 91
- Balance: 95
- Reactions: 92
- Ball Control: 93
- Dribbling: 95
- Composure: 96
Overall Dribbling: 94
Similarly to his passing, Lionel Messi's superb dribbling ability has definitely not gone away. He still dazzles opponents in Ligue 1 and it's nice to see EA have reflected this in his sublime dribbling stats.
Lionel Messi's defending breakdown in FIFA 23
SUITA, JAPAN - JULY 25: Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain competes for the ball against Ryotaro Meshino and Keisuke Kurokawa of Gamba Osaka during the preseason friendly between Paris Saint-Germain and Gamba Osaka at Panasonic Stadium Suita on July 25, 2022 in Suita, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
- Interceptions: 40
- Heading Accuracy: 70
- Defensive Awareness: 20
- Stand Tackle: 35
- Slide Tackle: 24
Overall Defending: 34
This one doesn't matter too much, as Messi was never known for his defensive abilities.
Lionel Messi's physical breakdown in FIFA 23
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JUNE 14: Lionel Messi of Argentina jumps for the ball against Claudio Bravo goalkeeper of Chile during a Group A match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Olímpico Nilton Santos as part of Copa America Brazil 2021 on June 14, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
- Jumping: 68
- Stamina: 70
- Strength: 68
- Aggression: 44
Overall Physical: 64
Something that does let his card down is Messi's physical attributes. However, his stats within other areas do make up for it, as you're not exactly going to be deploying him as a target man in FIFA 23.
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