Paris: Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain has been named the best player in the upcoming FIFA 22 video game.
In the most recent edition of the popular franchise, Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is ranked second, while Messi’s long-time foe, Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, is ranked third overall.
Messi’s teammates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar are ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, behind Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, on the list of the finest players in the game.
Despite the fact that Messi’s career as a one-club player came to an end this year with his departure to Paris from Barcelona, his final achievements at Camp Nou have earned him a first place ahead of his opponents.
It is a testament to their ability that they continue to dominate ahead of younger peers like Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, who did not make the top 10.
Other notable inclusions include Tottenham attacker and England captain Harry Kane, who came within a hair of winning Euro 2020 this summer, and Jan Oblak, who was named outstanding goalkeeper in La Liga after a title-winning season.
Let the debates begin 🗣️ The #FIFA22 Top 22 are here. #FIFARatings
Learn more 👉 https://t.co/ZK0OTWbF37 pic.twitter.com/PrqHGfLJWV
— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) September 13, 2021
FIFA 22 best players in full
| Rank | Player | Position | FIFA 22 rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | RW | 93 |
| 2 | Robert Lewandowski | ST | 92 |
| =3 | Cristiano Ronaldo | ST | 91 |
| =3 | Kevin De Bruyne | CM | 91 |
| =3 | Kylian Mbappe | ST | 91 |
| =3 | Neymar | LW | 91 |
| =3 | Jan Oblak | GK | 91 |
| =8 | Harry Kane | ST | 90 |
| =8 | N’Golo Kante | CDM | 90 |
| =8 | Manuel Neuer | GK | 90 |
| =8 | Marc-Andre ter Stegen | GK | 90 |
| =12 | Mohamed Salah | RW | 89 |
| =12 | Gianluigi Donnarumma | GK | 89 |
| =12 | Karim Benzema | ST | 89 |
| =12 | Virgil van Dijk | CB | 89 |
| =12 | Joshua Kimmich | CDM | 89 |
| =12 | Heung-min Son | LM | 89 |
| =12 | Alisson | GK | 89 |
| =12 | Thibaut Courtois | GK | 89 |
| =12 | Casemiro | CDM | 89 |
| =12 | Ederson | GK | 89 |
| =12 | Sadio Mane | LW | 89 |
Almost all of FIFA 22’s top players will be in action virtually later this week as they focus on their individual European campaigns.
A week of Champions League action will feature Messi, Lewandowski, and Ronaldo, while Kane will be the highest-ranked player competing in the newly-created Europa Conference League.
As the game kicks off a long, twisting road to next spring’s showpiece finale, all will be trying to put their respective teams on the route to continental triumph.
