Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: EA FC 26 leaks stir the GOAT debate all over again – And fans are not happy with the ratings

As the football world eagerly awaits the release of EA FC 26, anticipation around player ratings has once again placed the spotlight on two eternal rivals. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who dominated the video game franchise for nearly two decades, have seen their latest ratings leaked — and the online reaction has been anything but calm.

Why are fans so upset? According to leaks from the beta testing phase of EA FC 26, Lionel Messi is rated 87, while Cristiano Ronaldo comes in at 85. Though these numbers are still unofficial and subject to change, the news spread rapidly across social media, igniting heated debates among their supporters.

“Absolutely robbed again. Messi is 87 rated and Ronaldo 85 – wow,” one fan posted in disbelief. Others were quick to question the logic behind the numbers. “One literally fights for the golden boot and wins the Nations League,” another user wrote.

A third fan weighed in with: “How is Messi 87, and Ronaldo being the top scorer of his league and winning the Nations League 85? Make it make sense.” The backlash was swift, and it wasn’t just about the numbers — it was about legacy, current form, and perceived bias.

Performance vs. age: Divisive standard

Much of the frustration seems to revolve around the perceived prioritization of age over performance. Ronaldo, now 40, continues to produce impressive numbers with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 35 goals last season and winning the Nations League with Portugal. “They are lowering his rating just because of the years, not because of what he does on the pitch,” fans lamented.

Messi, at 38, continues to make headlines with Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, maintaining a slightly higher rating despite playing in the MLS — a league many fans consider to be less competitive than Ronaldo’s current environment.

Historical context: The decline from the summit

The days when both icons sat atop the ratings chart with overall scores of 94 seem long gone. Both players reached their peak in multiple editions of the FIFA series — Messi with six versions rated 94, and Ronaldo with three.

Here’s how their most recent trajectories compare:

Lionel Messi

• EA FC 24: 90
• EA FC 25: 88
• EA FC 26 (leaked): 87

Cristiano Ronaldo

• EA FC 24: 86
• EA FC 25: 86
• EA FC 26 (leaked): 85

The gradual decline aligns with their ages and transitions to leagues outside of Europe’s top five, yet fans argue that on-field output should outweigh location or age.

Social media divided over ‘favoritism’

The GOAT debate isn’t new, but these leaked numbers have added fresh fuel. Ronaldo’s supporters feel disrespected by the drop, citing his consistency and goal tally. Messi’s fans, on the other hand, believe the ratings reflect his continued ability to control games, lead his club, and remain influential on the ball.

“Messi is still more influential in the game,” one supporter commented. Others dismissed the two-point gap as minor, but the emotional investment in the rivalry remains intense.