Player Review
96 - LaLiga POTM SBC
Firstly, thanks to S8squid01 for an amazing review. I was indeed on fence if I should invest in this card but his/her review helped me make that decision and I am glad I got Messi. This is my first ever review but I almost feel obliged to praise this footballing God so that others who are in doubt can also get him.
About my team
I am a regular Gold 2 player (I stop at 17 wins with 7 to 4 games to spare). Messi takes up the CAM position in my 4-2-3-1 formation with Rooney as my ST, Prime Icon Barnes as LAM and TOTY Kimmich (packed him :)) as my RAM.
I completed Messi coz I realize that both Messi and CR7 are nearing their career ends and wanted to enjoy Prime Messi ..well in his Prime. I have always had Gold Messi in my team since last two editions of FUT.
I have used Basic Chem on him. This makes his Sprint speed 90 which is good enough for me in a CAM role. With basic chem, his passing is maxed out and gives a great +5 boost to his agility.
Pace
In CAM position, he wont get in behind the defense a lot. Thus his acceleration is good enough to beat any CDM/CB closing in just by using left stick and sprint button. If you intend to run in behind defense or or play him ST, then I would suggest Hunter.
Shooting
There are games when you are confused if a half a chance will go in and you wont even dare to take that shot. Well you can drop that worry with Messi. Of course conversion wont be 100% but he will give you that extra goal out of nothing in every other game. His finishing and shot power will not allow you complain one single bit. His finesse are noteworthy. Just make sure you are always hitting the far post with his finesse and it will go it. His shot power and finishing means his 4* left foot feels like 5*. Overall, nothing to complain here.
Passing
With Basic chem, his passing is max out and he becomes really dangerous as a CAM. Even if your ST is running along with opponent CB, a through ball down the middle will at least ensure that the ball will reach feet of ST and if your turn on the touch gets through, you are through on goal. His long passing is a great asset to switch sides esp. when opponent overloads ball side.
Dribbling
This is where this card is bang on money. I am not a skill junkie. I just use fake shot as a skill and that too I had to learn to cancel a tackle into a shot :D. But nevertheless, one can go through the entire defense of opponent by just using L stick dribble and Ball Shielding (L2 on PS). He can turn on a dime and leave even best of CDMs into dust. If you can use that 96 acceleration to create space then he will just go through the entire defense all by himself. And in doing this, he creates a lot of space for other players. You can go all along with him or pass to a free player. My Rooney, Barnes and Kimmich had highest scoring WL just coz Messi was playing as a CAM.
Defense
Good thing is, his jumping is really good and will win you 50-50 second balls every now and then. Something I didn't expect but is a welcome ability.
Physical
His strength and balance (along with ball shielding L2) is good enough to take 2-3 body checks from likes of Boateng or Rijkaard and wont be dispossessed. His stamina might be an issue but his ability is so great that you wont dare take this man off the pitch.
Closing Words
Again, i would like to quote S8squid01 here. He brings back fun to the game. The moment he is on the ball, he gives you enough confidence to run with it and take on defenders. Doesnt matter how tight the space is, you will be encouraged to run with this little genius in little spaces and score a curler from the little gap that opens up. If he fits your team and you have enough fodder, do it!
Dribbling
Shooting
Passing
Nothing