Want-away Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is still the best footballer in the world, according to FIFA 21.
EA Sports has done its annual job of announcing the player ratings for the best 100 players in FIFA, and this year shows Messi still top of the tree.
That means Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo – or should I say Piemonte Calcio forward Cristiano Ronaldo – is still second.
Perhaps some would argue with the decision in the context of the performances of both players since football restarted this year. While Messi battled to wrestle himself away from the club he’s been at his entire career following Barcelona’s trophyless season, Ronaldo won the Italian league and continues to do the business for Portugal. Did you see the two goals the 35-year-old scored for his country this week? Just incredible.
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What’s interesting is EA Sports has lowered the overall rating for both players this year. Messi is rated 93, while Ronaldo is rated 92. Messi is rated 94 in FIFA 20, while Ronaldo is rated 93. Perhaps it’s a reflection of the ageing stars’ ever-so-slightly diminishing dominance over the beautiful game.