FIFA 23 is just around the corner, with brand new ratings confirmed for the very best players in this year's game.
The revelation of those ratings has led to many raised eyebrows, with EA now confirming their stance in the Messi vs Ronaldo Debate.
Check below to see which star claims the title of FIFA 23 GOAT
FIFA 23: Messi vs Ronaldo
It's the age-old debate that rumbles on in the background of all football discourse: who is better, Messi or Ronaldo?
Both have had exceptional careers, with multiple Ballon d'Or awards shared between the pair.
For many years, Lionel Messi has taken the crown between the pair when it comes to FIFA ratings, with the Argentine gaining an advantage due to his close relationship with EA.
That relationship looks to have helped Messi this year, with the Argentine superstar once again beating Ronaldo in the ratings in FIFA 23.
Confirmed Ratings
Ratings for this year's game are slowly being revealed in the coming days, with overalls already revealed for some of the game's biggest stars.
Lionel Messi is sharing the award for best player in the game with 5 other players, with the PSG superstar being awarded a 91 OVR.
In contrast, Manchester United powerhouse Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded a 90 OVR, downgraded 1 overall point from last year.
Given Manchester United's failures last season, this seems fair, but we would be lying if we thought that Ronaldo was deserving of sinking with the rest of the ship.
One thing is for sure, EA may have chosen Messi this year with their FIFA 23 ratings, but neither man has received exciting cards, as an exciting era draws to a close.
End of an Era
Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have received their lowest FIFA ratings in over ten years, with the end of an era certainly being marked in FIFA 23.
Given the fact that both men are slowing down, there's every chance that we could see the two greatest players of all time decline out of the 90s in subsequent squad updates.
They say don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened, and we may all have to apply some of that logic as our favourite footballing stars make way to the next generation of powerhouses.