FIFA 23 World Cup TOTT Messi Player Review

If you open up Urban Dictionary and look under: “written in the stars” … there sits “that” picture of Leo Messi kissing the World Cup trophy. Call it destiny, call it conspiracy, call it what makes you happy… but it was always going to happen wasn’t it.

From elation to grief… wherever you sit on the spectrum of emotion following the World Cup Final, it is sad to see it go. A tournament for the ages with all of the storylines from a midday drama, compacted into one month in the desert sun.

 

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The Team of the Tournament promo looked to shine some light on the biggest performances in the global spotlight, but it certainly was not without some notable question marks. The debates were long and plentiful but there was no argument about the involvement of Leo Messi leading the line in the squad.

 

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The position change to ST might even be more notable than the statistics boost and offered an easy inclusion in my squad this past weekend. I decided to leave Messi in that position in my squad, deploying the Paris Prince as the striker in my 4-2-2-2 formation. Certainly, an easy card to link and offered a variety of options to round off the squad.

I decided to apply the HUNTER chemistry style for this one given the requirements of a striker and this appears to be an extremely popular choice with the community. Everything about this card seemed suited to my playstyle and was certainly an excitement-filled team build.

With everything in place, the hope was that Messi would earn the Golden Ball leading the troops through the Weekend League battle in the following squad:

 

 

 

Overall 

Rating: 10/10

For some this World Cup cemented the GOAT debate and forever immortalized the Argentinian to untouchable status. For others, this debate was finished ages ago and this is just the cherry, on top of the icing, on top of the cake. There will always be objectors and that is what makes sport amazing… But regardless of where you stand on the real-world footballing discussion… This card is also in the GOAT of FUT discussion.

Fair, I have not used R9, the best versions of Cruyff, Eusebio and the crazy expensive realm of options. I am sure they are unbelievable. But over the large host of cards I have tried, the various options I have tested… This card reigns supreme… And I was actually able to afford him.

 

Main Statistics – Shooting

Shooting Rating: 10/10

Weak Foot: ★★★★

Traits: Outside Foot Shot, Finesse Shot

There is a lot to like about this card and the 25 goals and 9 assists in 15 matches is just the tip of the iceberg.  An insane return and worth noting that this could have been even higher with multiple rage quits.

The 4-STAR WEAK FOOT is the ideal starting point as it could have a make-or-break effect on the shooting quality of any card. In this case, it was indecipherable from a 5 STAR WEAK FOOT and the accuracy and venom of right-footed shots mimicked the left-footed version.

The weak foot was really the only possible limitation given the ridiculous statistics after the HUNTER chemistry style. 99 POSITIONING is as perfect in the game as it is on screen as Messi is forever picking up quality pockets of space.

99 FINISHING, 94 SHOT POWER, 95 LONG SHOTS & 99 VOLLEYS offering every form of goal imaginable… with the FINESSE SHOT & OUTSIDE FOOT SHOT traits to enhance goal opportunities.

 

 

Value/Coins

Value/Coins Rating: 5/5

2.8 million coins.  The card had better be perfect.  And Messi delivered throughout.  The review rubric is completed and ready for release in the near future… One of the key factors discussed for a 10/10 rating reads as follow:

“Player has 10/10 in all applicable categories save for one.  The Player produces consistent results in all situations and stands out beyond “normal” quality cards. Min. 4 Star/4 Star for attackers.”

 

Good vs. Bad 

Good vs Bad Rating: 5/5

+ The EXPLOSIVE AcceleRATE continues to be a prominent trait of quality attackers… mixed with the 169cm | 5’7 unique body and everything feels quick with this card.  The 89 SPRINT SPEED was a bit of a concern on the outset but performed wonderfully… while the 99 ACCELERATION was everything you would want it to be and more.

+ The body type and EXPLOSIVE attributes only benefited the 94 AGILITY, 98 BALANCE & 98 DRIBBLING that comes along with this card.  The 4 STAR SKILLS are there for those that embrace that chaos and overall the card feels incredibly responsive.  The left stick dribbling is as smooth as any I have used and was effective during the review. 

Perfection is an incredible standard… and although Messi met the requirements of a 10/10 rating… there was one minor chink in his armor.

- The size of this card is a massive plus in pace and dribbling but was a curse in physical battles.  The good news is that the majority of defenders could not lay a finger on Messi throughout the review.  The bad news comes when they do, and the 74 STRENGTH can not stand up to those confrontations.

 

Closing Words

Not an easily affordable card. But an out-and-out game changer on the pitch and with well over a goal per game it was a constant contribution.

Above everything else, I would point out that Messi made not only my overall squad but each individual player better. Gakpo was not my favourite card of the year… but I was shocked at his goal total in the end. But that doesn’t seem too strange when you consider the 9 assists that Messi racked up as well.

I have mentioned in the past that goals and assists can be deceiving and do not always paint the full picture. But nonetheless, the 2.3 goals contribution does pass the contribution test… The statistics pass the eye test with flying colours… While the brilliant play and cannon-style goals certainly passed the feel test with brilliant effect.

Must save for. Must buy.