Crafting the Perfect Messi: A Detailed Guide to Recreating the Legend in FIFA

Lionel Messi. The name itself evokes images of breathtaking dribbling, pinpoint accuracy, and sheer footballing magic. For many FIFA players, recreating the Argentine maestro within the game is a constant quest. While the default Messi card is undoubtedly formidable, true fans seek to capture the essence of his playing style through meticulous player creation. This guide will walk you through the process of creating the most accurate Messi possible in FIFA, covering everything from physical attributes and skill moves to preferred foot and tactical instructions. Whether you’re on career mode, player creation, or just messing around in kickoff, these tips will help you bring the legend to life on your virtual pitch.

Understanding Messi’s Core Attributes

Before we dive into the granular details of the creation process, it’s crucial to understand what makes Messi, well, Messi. He’s not just a collection of high numbers; it’s the combination of attributes that create his unique style. Key attributes to consider include:

• Dribbling: Messi’s close control and ability to weave through defenders is legendary. High agility, balance, and dribbling stats are paramount.
• Finishing: Precision and finesse are his hallmarks. Focus on high finishing, shot power, and curve.
• Passing: While he’s often lauded for scoring, Messi’s passing is exquisite. High short passing, vision, and long passing are vital for playmaking.
• Pace: While not a pure speedster, his acceleration and agility are what make him so quick. A good pace with high agility and acceleration is important.
• Balance: Essential for maintaining control while dribbling and avoiding tackles.
• Composure: Allows him to perform under pressure.
• Free Kick Accuracy: Known for his superb free kicks, focus on power and curve.
• Agility: Critical for rapid changes in direction and tight dribbling.
• Stamina: While not his best attribute, he needs enough to last a full game.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Messi in FIFA

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating Messi. We’ll cover each aspect of the player creation process, ensuring you capture his essential traits.

1. Choosing Your Creation Mode

You have several options for creating Messi, each with varying degrees of flexibility:

• Career Mode: This provides the most immersive experience. You can create a player, shape his career, and customize his stats as he grows. However, initial limitations may apply to attribute levels.
• Create Player: This allows for direct modification of player attributes, skill moves, and appearance before starting any gameplay. Ideal for quick creation.
• Edit Player: If you prefer to tweak an existing player, this mode is handy for making adjustments to the in-game Messi or other players and edit their looks, attributes and moves.

For the purpose of this guide, we’ll focus on the “Create Player” mode for maximum control.

2. Basic Information and Appearance

• Name: Lionel Messi
• Preferred Position: Right Wing (RW) or Attacking Midfielder (CAM) – This is crucial as it defines his role in your team.
• Preferred Foot: Left – This is Messi’s dominant foot and crucial for recreating his playstyle.
• Jersey Number: 10 – The iconic number.
• Nationality: Argentina – Representing his home country.
• Appearance: This is a bit more subjective, but strive for accuracy. Select a face that closely resembles his. Adjust:
• Face Shape: Select the face shape that closest matches Messi’s.
• Skin Tone: Choose the correct skin tone.
• Hairstyle: Choose a hairstyle that mirrors his current or most iconic look. Consider his facial hair as well.
• Height and Weight: Messi is relatively short and light. Aim for around 5’7” (170 cm) and 148 lbs (67 kg).

3. Attributes (The Heart of the Matter)

This is where we recreate his playing prowess. Attributes are typically on a scale of 1 to 99, with 99 being the best. This will require meticulous adjustment to create the best representation. These are suggested ranges to aim for, depending on your version of FIFA and game balance preferences. Some of these attributes can be changed during a career mode, making a career creation the better option.

• Pace:
  • Acceleration: 90-95 – He needs to be very quick off the mark
  • Sprint Speed: 85-90 – He’s quick but not as fast as some wingers.
• Shooting:
  • Positioning: 95-99 – He’s always in the right place for scoring chances.
  • Finishing: 95-99 – His precision is deadly.
  • Shot Power: 85-90 – It’s accurate rather than overly powerful.
  • Long Shots: 90-95 – Lethal from distance.
  • Volleys: 90-95 – Consistent finisher from volleys
  • Penalties: 90-95 – Cool under pressure.
• Passing:
  • Vision: 95-99 – Exceptional playmaker and sees opportunities before they arrive.
  • Crossing: 80-85 – While it’s not his primary focus, he has good crossing ability when needed.
  • Short Passing: 95-99 – Pinpoint accuracy.
  • Long Passing: 90-95 – Great for switching play and long balls
  • Curve: 90-95 – His passes have excellent curve
• Dribbling:
  • Agility: 95-99 – Changes direction rapidly.
  • Balance: 95-99 – Stays on his feet through tackles
  • Reactions: 95-99 – Quick responses to the ball and situations around him.
  • Ball Control: 95-99 – Sticky feet, rarely loses control.
  • Dribbling: 95-99 – Unbelievable dribbling skills.
• Defending:
  • Interceptions: 40-50 – While he is not a defensive player, he has the capability of intercepting passes.
  • Heading: 60-65 – His heading ability isn’t a key part of his game.
  • Marking: 30-40 – Not a defender, so this should be low.
  • Standing Tackle: 35-45 – Not his game.
  • Sliding Tackle: 30-40 – This will rarely be used.
• Physicality:
  • Jumping: 75-80 – He is not a high jumping player.
  • Stamina: 80-85 – He’ll make it through a game, but not a tireless runner
  • Strength: 65-70 – While he isn’t physically strong, he’s difficult to push off the ball thanks to his balance.
  • Aggression: 65-70 – Not particularly aggressive but will compete for the ball.
• Mental:
  • Composure: 95-99 – Performs under pressure.

4. Skill Moves & Weak Foot

• Skill Moves: Messi is a 5-star skiller. Make sure he has access to all skill moves.
• Weak Foot: Messi’s weaker foot is very good. Set it to 4 stars to allow for better finishing with his right foot.

5. Player Traits

Player traits add nuances to how a player performs in-game. Consider these for Messi:

• Finesse Shot: Crucial for his curling shots.
• Technical Dribbler: Emphasizes his close control.
• Outside Foot Shot: Allows him to score with the outside of his boot.
• Flair: Reflects his exceptional skill and creativity.
• Playmaker: This allows him to be the catalyst to attacking moves.
• Avoids Using Weaker Foot: He prefers his left.
• Team Player: This is a must-have for team play.

6. Work Rates & Tactical Instructions

• Work Rates:
  • Attacking Work Rate: High – Always making runs and looking for the ball.
  • Defensive Work Rate: Low – He primarily focuses on attack.
• Tactical Instructions: Depending on how you prefer to play, consider these:
• Stay Forward: To keep him in the attacking area.
• Cut Inside: From the right wing, he frequently cuts inside on his left foot.
• Free Roam: This allows him to move freely in the attacking areas

7. Adjustments and Fine-Tuning

Once you’ve set the attributes and traits, take your creation into a match and fine-tune his playing experience. Are his dribbling moves smooth? Does his shooting feel accurate? Adjust attributes accordingly. It might take some trial and error to get it perfect.

Tips for Maximum Accuracy and Gameplay

• Practice Dribbling: Master skill moves and close control for that Messi-esque dribbling style. Use the ball roll, body feint and stepover skills.
• Experiment with Finishing: Get accustomed to using finesse shots and outside-of-the-boot strikes for optimal goal-scoring.
• Play the Game: Pay attention to how he moves in matches and make any further changes necessary to recreate the feeling of playing with Messi.
• Use Training Mode: Utilize practice mode to test your creation and fine-tune skills. This will help you adjust attributes further.
• Be Patient: Getting it perfect might take some time. Don’t be discouraged if the first creation isn’t perfect.

Final Thoughts

Creating Messi in FIFA is a rewarding experience that allows you to appreciate his genius in a tangible way. While it’s impossible to fully replicate the real-life legend, these guidelines will help you create a virtual version that embodies his exceptional skill, creativity, and flair. By paying attention to detail and continuously tweaking attributes and traits, you’ll be able to craft a Messi replica that will dominate the virtual pitch and give you hours of joy. Remember, creating the best virtual Messi is not just about having the highest numbers; it is about capturing his distinct style of play.

So, go ahead, try this detailed process, and experience the thrill of playing with your very own virtual Messi!