How Much Does It Cost to Buy Messi in FIFA?
The cost of acquiring Lionel Messi in FIFA, the renowned football simulation video game, is a multifaceted question, with the answer varying drastically depending on the specific mode, the game version, and the time within that game’s cycle. In short, there is no single, fixed price. However, we can break down the various scenarios to understand the financial implications of obtaining this footballing legend within the virtual world.
The Dynamic Cost of Messi in FIFA
The primary cost of Messi in FIFA revolves around three core aspects: Ultimate Team (FUT), Career Mode, and obtaining special promotional cards. Let’s delve into each of these areas:
Messi in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT)
In FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), the cost of a player like Messi fluctuates based on market demand, card rarity, and the overall power curve of the game. Here’s what to expect:
- Base Cards: At the start of a FIFA title cycle, Messi’s base card is typically one of the most expensive, easily fetching millions of FUT coins. For example, in FIFA 21, he initially cost around 1 million coins, but his price later dropped to around 110k on Xbox, 100k on PlayStation, and 200k on PC due to his perceived lack of pace compared to other top-tier attackers.
- Special Cards: Throughout the year, EA Sports releases special versions of players, often with boosted attributes. These cards, such as Team of the Year (TOTY), Team of the Season (TOTS), and Icons, command a premium price. A TOTY Messi in FIFA 23, for instance, could cost several million coins on the transfer market.
- Squad Building Challenges (SBCs): Another way to obtain a special Messi card is through Squad Building Challenges (SBCs). These challenges require players to submit squads meeting specific requirements. The overall expected cost of an SBC for Messi can sometimes be significantly lower than buying his tradeable version from the transfer market. For example, a FIFA 23 Messi SBC had a cost of around 2.4 million FUT coins, whereas his tradable version would be much higher.
- Market Volatility: The cost of Messi in FUT is highly volatile. Card prices can rise and fall dramatically based on game meta, new card releases, and player pack availability. Therefore, while you might find a Messi card at one price today, it could change dramatically the next day.
Messi in FIFA Career Mode
In Career Mode, purchasing Messi is simpler but equally challenging due to his high valuation:
- Transfer Fee: Clubs must negotiate a transfer fee with Messi’s current team, which is usually a hefty sum. His transfer value is often a close reflection of his real-world market value, which translates to around £95 million in FIFA 21, which, while a specific game, gives a general idea of his value in other editions.
- Wages: Even if a transfer fee is agreed upon, Messi’s wages are another significant obstacle. He will demand very high weekly pay, straining club budgets.
- Age and Contract: As Messi’s age progresses, both his transfer fee and wage demands might decrease, but his overall rating will also start to decline. Allowing his contract to expire to get him for free is an unorthodox method some players attempt to use.
Special Promotional Cards
Free promotional cards are sometimes offered, such as the Team of the Year (TOTY) Messi in FIFA 23, accessible through the Moments Star Gallery. These cards do not involve direct purchase through the market and offer a way to get a high-rated Messi card without the cost.
Understanding the Cost Beyond Virtual Money
While in-game cost is crucial, it’s essential to acknowledge Messi’s value outside the virtual realm:
- Real-World Value: Messi’s actual transfer value in real-life is immensely high, and this is reflected in FIFA. His real-world career earnings have made him one of the world’s highest-paid athletes, reaching billionaire status with $1 billion in pretax earnings.
- Inter Miami Contract: Inter Miami is paying Messi between $125 million and $150 million (£100m and £120m) across his two-and-a-half-year contract, with an annual salary of roughly between $50 million and $60 million (£40m and £46m). This illustrates his high financial value in the real world, which indirectly influences his in-game valuations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Messi in FIFA
1. Is Messi a 5-star skiller in FIFA?
No, despite his exceptional dribbling ability, Lionel Messi is not a 5-star skiller in FIFA 23. His dribbling is still rated very high (94), but his skill moves are not in the 5-star bracket, which includes players like Kylian Mbappé.
2. How can I get Messi for free in FIFA 23?
A Team of the Year Messi card was available for free in FIFA 23 through the Moments Star Gallery section. This method allows players to obtain a high-rated version of Messi without spending in-game coins or real money.
3. What is Messi’s overall rating in FIFA?
Messi has a rating of 90 in the most recent versions of FIFA, which is a slight decrease from his rating in FIFA 23. However, he has had a rating of at least 90 in every edition since FIFA 09.
4. Can I buy Messi in FIFA 14?
You cannot directly buy Messi for free in FIFA 14. However, players can try to exploit the game’s career mode by managing his team, letting his contract expire, then joining another club and possibly acquiring him as a free agent.
5. How much is Messi worth in FIFA 23?
Messi’s value in FIFA 23 varies considerably depending on the game mode. In FUT, his base card’s market price is often high, and special cards are even more expensive. In Career Mode, his transfer fee is typically in the range of tens of millions of in-game currency, depending on his age and contract status.
6. Who is the most expensive player in FIFA 23?
The most expensive player in FIFA 23 is Kylian Mbappe with a Team of the Season card that costs a staggering 7.8 million coins, far surpassing any other card.
7. How much does Adidas pay to Messi?
Adidas pays Messi a substantial $25 million per year, and this deal is set to continue for the rest of his life.
8. Is Messi a billionaire?
Yes, Lionel Messi has become football’s second billionaire, surpassing $1 billion in pre-tax earnings throughout his career.
9. Who is the richest soccer player in the world?
Cristiano Ronaldo is the richest soccer player with an estimated net worth of $500 million as of 2023.
10. How much is Ronaldo worth in 2023?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth is approximately $500 million in 2023, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
11. How many goals has Messi scored in his career?
Lionel Messi has scored 819 goals and provided 344 assists in 1,040 professional games, directly contributing to 1,163 goals.
12. How many teams wanted to sign Messi?
Reportedly, at least 5 teams could have signed Messi recently, including PSG, Manchester City, Juventus, and Inter Milan. His contract requirements would be between 50 and 85 million euros a year.
13. Are Messi and Ronaldo friends?
Despite their legendary rivalry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have confirmed that they are not friends. They consider each other professional colleagues.
14. What does Messi own?
Messi owns a significant real estate portfolio, numerous brand partnerships, and a hotel chain, earning $65 million from endorsements and business ventures in 2022.
15. Who is the cheapest player to buy in FIFA 23?
The cheapest players in FIFA 23 career mode include Antonio Nusa, Elliot Anderson, Jovanny Bolivar, and Leonidas Stergiou, with low overall ratings and high potential for growth.
In conclusion, the cost of obtaining Lionel Messi in FIFA is not a straightforward answer. It depends entirely on which game mode you are playing, the specific card you’re looking for, the market’s current demand, and sometimes a bit of luck. From potentially millions of FUT coins to free promotional cards, and complex transfer negotiations in Career Mode, acquiring Messi in FIFA is a variable, challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience.