FIFA 23: Messi and Ronaldo set to be dethroned in ratings


Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been kings of the FIFA ratings for many years, with both players still hitting 90+ in FIFA 22.

However, with both men winding down in their careers, a new king is set to take the throne and claim the mantle of FIFA 23 GOAT.

We're taking a look back at the glory days of Ronaldo and Messi in FIFA, as well as looking at players that could jump ahead of them in next year's ratings.

Simply The Best

There is no doubting that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two of the greatest players to ever grace the beautiful game - in both real and virtual worlds.

Trading blows since FIFA 10, Ronaldo and Messi have been constantly battling for the top spot in FIFA ratings, with former cover star Messi usually gaining a slight edge.

In FIFA 22, Messi sits two ratings above Ronaldo at a 93 overall, but there's no denying that both men will be dropping down the rating charts following disappointing seasons at their respective clubs.

Messi's relocation to Paris hasn't been as heroic as PSG fans may have hoped, with the Argentine star recently booed during a game at the Parc des Princes.

Ronaldo has still shown flashes of quality, with vital goals in the Champions League and a recent hattrick against Tottenham, but there's no denying that the Portuguese captain has looked a little off the pace since his Premier League return.

GOAT No More

Messi and Ronaldo's dwindling careers represent the end of a beautiful era in both FIFA and real-world football.

Ronaldo and Messi will almost certainly take major hits in FIFA 23's ratings, with both men potentially set to fall into the 80s for the first time since FIFA 07.

FIFA-Messi-Ronaldo
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ALL TIME GREATS - Messi and Ronaldo's time at the top is coming to an end

There will no doubt be much pain felt when this day arrives, with memories of FIFA 17 Ronaldo chops and finesse shots with Messi living long and prosperous.

Whilst we won't know officially until the arrival of FIFA 23, there's a good chance that both men will be eclipsed by some of the world's brightest footballing talents.

New Era

So, who will take the crown at the top of the FIFA 23 ratings? There are certainly a few worthy contenders.

Kylian Mbappe is a player that will almost certainly be in contention, with the FIFA 22 cover star set for a bumper contract, or even a dream move to Real Madrid this summer.

With the youngster becoming a prominent ambassador for EA Sports, we wouldn't be shocked if the future Ballon d'Or winner step into the shoes of his current PSG colleague.

Robert Lewandowski would surely enjoy a wry smile if he finally eclipsed Lionel Messi in the FIFA 23 ratings, with the Argentine notoriously robbing him of the 2021 Ballon d'Or.

The Polish poacher is easily the finest striker in world football right now and we think he's got as good a chance as any to find himself on top of the rating tree.

Mo Salah is our final contender, with the Egyptian dynamo breaking records and lifting trophies on a seemingly weekly basis.

A natural successor to Messi's throne, Salah may just become the messiah of FIFA 23.

Click here to find out everything we know about FIFA 23.

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