FIFA 23 is just around the corner, with the buzz of rating season soon to overcome the FIFA community.
With that in mind, we want to take a look at Lionel Messi, and assess where the PSG superstar could end up in the FIFA 23 rankings.
Messi FIFA 23 Rating Prediction
Lionel Messi may have lifted the Ballon d'Or, but there was no denying that the Argentine sensation didn't have his best season.
A lack of goals and some sub-par performances in the league will likely see Messi downgraded in FIFA 23, but there's no fear of him dropping below the 90 mark.
We've also predicted Cristiano Ronaldo to be rated 91 in the new game and considering all the variables, we think it's fair that these two should be on the same level once again.
Messi has enjoyed personal and international success, but a poor season at club level should see the Argentine drop down a rating or two.
For the first time in a long time, it's looking incredibly likely that neither Messi nor Ronaldo will be the highest-rated player in FIFA 23.
Messi's FIFA 22 Cards
Despite a poor season with PSG, Lionel Messi still managed to earn himself some high-rated cards in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team.
The Argentine star was the highest-rated player in FIFA 22 at the start of the game, and his performances for his country permitted him to earn some much-deserved boosts.
Base Card
As we've mentioned, Messi was the highest-rated player at the start of FIFA 22, but he was quickly eclipsed by some of football's elite.
Promo cards quickly squashed Messi's shine, and for the first time ever, the Ballon d'Or holder could be defined as fodder.
Team of the Year
Messi did lift the Ballon d'Or this year, although don't mention it to Robert Lewandowski.
An impressive half-season with Barcelona, followed by victory in the Copa America with Argentina, permitted Messi to lift the prestigious award and be rewarded with an insane boost to his FUT card.
Shapeshifter
Would it be a FIFA cycle without a 99-rated Lionel Messi card cropping up?
Arriving late in the game and shifted into a central position, Lionel Messi's shapeshifters card no doubt led to excitement amongst the community.
The football magician certainly has his fair share of FUT boosts, and we're expecting more of the same in FIFA 23.
Messi in Career Mode
Given his age, Messi is not the commodity he once was in Career Mode, but at least there's a decent chance of actually signing him these days.
In previous careers, it was near-impossible to secure the Argentine's services, so fans will be pleased that this year, Messi won't be newly signed or too valuable to sell.
With PSG keeping hold of Mbappe and still possessing Neymar on the books, could you swoop in and bring Messi to your club to create the biggest coup in FIFA 23?