FIFA 17: How the rating battle between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has shaped up

It was as expected right? Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo again being the best players in FIFA 17.

Well, you were partially right, because, in a first, Ronaldo is rated above Messi in the latest addition to the series.

EA Sports took some time releasing the top three in the game, those being Neymar-Messi-Ronaldo to go in order. But let’s take the top two. Does it seem realistic? Shouldn’t Messi be the best player? Let’s compare the ratings of these modern gods of football.

Pace – This is probably where EA were unfair to the current Ballon d’Or holder. Ronaldo’s 92 seems to suit fine given his athletic reflexes and speed, while Messi’s agility and acceleration seem to be neglected. He deserves, at least, a 91.

Dribbling – EA got this right, although Ronaldo’s could have been up by a unit. Messi, given his low height and centre of gravity, is adept with the ball at his feet. Cristiano, on the other hand, is not as prolific as Messi but is very, very good too.

Shooting – Everything seems fine, but Messi should have had an 89 considering his missed penalties over the last season but FIFA also has a separate penalty rating, possibly Messi’s rating here would see a reduction there as well. Ronaldo’s rating seems to be perfect.

Defending – Nothing much to say here. The ratings are self-explanatory and fits the two wingers perfectly.

Passing – No. Just no. Given his ability to read the game, perform pin-point passes and his ability to adapt to playing in deep roles, Messi’s passing rate should have been much higher. He also had the joint highest assists in La Liga 15-16 (16) and created 73 chances for his teammates compared to Ronaldo’s 11 assists and 50 created chances. EA should have done better here, giving Messi about 89.

Physicality – This seems well deserved. Messi isn’t exactly the bulky and buff ox in a football pitch while Ronaldo certainly spends some time at the gym. EA have gotten this right. Considering the gameplay with the new engine, this factor seems to be really important, compared to the previous years’ FIFA games.

Other – In my opinion, Messi deserves only 3 skill move stars. He doesn’t really perform skills (like the roulette, which is a 4 star skill move) in matches as he just uses body feints and quick direction changes. Ronaldo deserves 5 star skill moves with his fancy footwork and step-overs.

There you have it. Personally, I think both Messi and Ronaldo should have gotten a 93 Overall rating. It would have spiced up the game and definitely spiced up the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry.

A comparison of Messi and Ronaldo’s overall rating over the years

Does it signal something fishy? Messi had been the best player every year till now, and some people argue that it is because he wasn’t selected as the cover star of this year’s edition. If that was the case then Marco Reus should have been the one with a 94, but EA Sports, fortunately, know better.

This is how Messi’s and Ronaldo’s ratings have been from FIFA 13 (the year Messi was made cover star) till FIFA 17

FIFA 13: Messi – 94, Ronaldo – 92 (brackets indicate change in rating with regard to FIFA 13 ratings)

FIFA 14: Messi – 94, Ronaldo – 92 (no change)

FIFA 15: Messi – 93, Ronaldo – 92 (-1, 0)

FIFA 16: Messi – 94, Ronaldo – 93 (0, +1)

FIFA 17: Messi – 93, Ronaldo – 94 (-1, +2)

Does this signal the decline of the current Ballon d’Or holder? Given his performances over the last few years, it doesn’t look that way. This is what people would call him going through a “rough patch.” Considering his three consecutive final losses with the Albiceleste, it looks like he needs some “off” time after the pressure mounted on him, both by fans and history (and Diego Maradona too). He will be back, and hopefully, we will see him raise a trophy at Russia in 2018 in national colours.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, has finally won an international trophy with Portugal and things are looking good for him. With the added bonus of being the best player in FIFA, looking poised to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. He scored the winning penalty against Atletico Madrid in the Champion’s League final to give Real Madrid it’s eleventh trophy of Europe’s toughest competition.

Even though he didn’t play the entire Euro finals against France, he motivated the team to push and work harder for the win. Portugal had an easy route to the quarters and worked harder for wins against Wales and France.

But whatever happens, the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly goes on, helping each other strive for greatness with their respective teams. It can only suggest good things for football and FIFA games in the future. These two will be remembered as legends once they retire, but the rivalry will go on through FIFA when their legend cards are released.

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