eFootball Leo Messi Edition 2026 is one of the most anticipated special edition packs Konami has released in the history of the franchise. It puts Leo Messi directly into your Dream Team as an Epic-grade card based on his 2024 Argentina national team appearance, complete with a customizable Booster system and a stack of Highlight players that add serious depth to any squad.
Whether you are chasing the Big Time Messi 110 rating progression or deciding between the standard and Deluxe versions of the pack, this guide covers everything: what is inside each edition, how to reach the maximum 110 rating, the best boosters for eFootball Messi, what team Messi plays for in real life and in the game, and a full breakdown of all players in the pack.
The sale window for this edition closes on August 6, 2026 at 01:59:59 UTC, with all items needing to be claimed before August 13, 2026. If you are on the fence, this guide will help you decide before the deadline.
What Is the eFootball Leo Messi Edition 2026?
The eFootball Messi Edition is a paid special edition that bundles the free-to-play core game with exclusive Dream Team items. It is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Konami store.
There are two versions: the standard edition and the Deluxe edition. Both include the same Epic Messi card but differ in the number of Highlight players, EXP tokens, and cosmetic items included.
Standard Edition Contents
The eFootball Messi pack standard edition includes:
- Epic: Lionel Messi (2024 Argentina) x1 with the special skill Visionary Pass, Offense Creator +3 Booster, and a Booster Slot
- Highlight player x7: Kevin De Bruyne, Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, Luka Modrić, Nicolás Otamendi, Jonathan Clauss, Yassine Bounou
- Exp. 4,000 Token x11 (player development item)
- Stadium Element: TIFO Leo Messi Edition 2026 x1
- Stadium Element: Giant Prop Leo Messi Edition 2026 x1
- Purchase bonus: 250 eFootball Coins
Deluxe Edition Contents
The eFootball Leo Messi Edition 2026 Deluxe adds to everything in the standard edition:
- Same Epic Messi card with the same skills and boosters
- Highlight player x10 (three additional players vs. standard)
- Exp. 4,000 Token x22 (double the standard edition)
- Exclusive Uniform: Leo Messi Edition 2026 Deluxe
- Avatar Icon x3 (exclusive to Deluxe)
- Avatar Background x1 (exclusive to Deluxe)
- Purchase bonus: 450 eFootball Coins (vs. 250 in standard)
The key difference between the two editions in competitive terms is the extra EXP tokens and the additional Highlight players. The Deluxe edition’s 22 EXP tokens significantly accelerate Messi’s development progression, making it the more efficient investment for players focused on maximizing his rating quickly.
| Item | Standard | Deluxe |
| Epic Messi Card | Yes | Yes |
| Highlight Players | 7 | 10 |
| EXP 4,000 Tokens | 11 | 22 |
| Exclusive Uniform | No | Yes |
| Avatar Icons | No | 3 |
| Avatar Background | No | Yes |
| eFootball Coins Bonus | 250 | 450 |
What Team Is Messi On in eFootball?
In the eFootball Leo Messi Edition 2026, Messi is represented as Argentina (2024 Argentina national team), not as an MLS or club card. This is the version tied to his international career and the card included in both pack editions.
In real life, Messi currently plays club football for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, where he serves as captain. He joined the club in July 2023 and has recorded 90 goals and 51 assists in 104 appearances. He is also representing Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicked off on June 16, 2026, with Messi starting against Algeria and opening his record-extending 14th World Cup goal tally.
In eFootball’s Dream Team mode, the card’s team association relates to the context of the card rather than the player’s current club. The eFootball Messi Epic card in this edition is therefore an Argentine international card, not an Inter Miami card, which has specific implications for Chemistry and manager compatibility in Dream Team squad building.
Big Time Messi 110 Rating: How to Reach the Maximum
The Big Time Messi 110 rating progression refers specifically to the New Year 2026 Epic Big Time Lionel Messi card, which became available around the end of 2025 and represents the youngest version of Messi in the game, based on his 2007 season.
This is separate from the Leo Messi Edition 2026 pack card, which is based on his 2024 Argentina version. However, the progression system and booster logic apply to both Epic Messi cards, making this section relevant for any player development approach.
How the 110 Rating Is Achieved
The Big Time Messi card reaches its maximum rating of 110 for the RWF position under specific conditions:
- The player must be trained to maximum level using EXP Tokens
- A qualifying manager with an 89 overall rating or higher must be assigned
- The correct Booster combination must be equipped in the available Booster Slots
- Position proficiency must be set appropriately for the RWF role
This 110 rating made the Big Time card the highest-rated card in eFootball at its release, surpassing all previous Epic versions of Messi.
Best Booster for eFootball Messi Progression
The recommended booster setup for maximizing eFootball Messi cards depends on the specific version:
For the Big Time New Year 2026 Messi:
- Default booster: Ball Carrying +5 (already attached)
- Recommended additional booster: Shooting
- Adding the Shooting booster improves Ball Treatment, Speed, and Finishing simultaneously
- At maximum build with this combination, the card has 8 stats over 90
For the Leo Messi Edition 2026 card (2024 Argentina version):
- Default booster: Offense Creator +3 (already attached)
- The Booster Slot allows one additional booster of your choice
- Best options: Dribbling, Shooting, or Ball Control depending on your preferred playstyle and what stats you want to push past 90
The Offense Creator +3 booster already attached to the Edition card specifically boosts offensive stats, so selecting a complementary booster (rather than another offense-focused one) provides the most balanced stat distribution across the card.
Best Player Progression for eFootball Messi
The most efficient route to developing any Epic Messi card in eFootball follows this sequence:
- Use your EXP Tokens immediately to level up the card rather than saving them. EXP Tokens from the pack are tied to the edition content and will be removed at the claim deadline.
- Set the Booster Slot before leveling up so each level contributes to the final stat configuration you want. Changing boosters after development wastes efficiency.
- Assign a high-rated manager (89 overall or above for the 110 rating threshold) to activate the full potential rating boost.
- Set position proficiency to RWF or RMF to unlock additional usable positions (AMF and SS are also accessible once proficiency is set).
The Deluxe edition’s 22 EXP Tokens versus the standard’s 11 effectively halves the external grinding needed to reach maximum level, which is a meaningful advantage for players who want Messi fully developed as quickly as possible.
eFootball Messi Playstyle: How He Feels on the Pitch
The Leo Messi Edition 2026 Card (2024 Argentina)
The Edition pack’s Messi card uses the Classic No. 10 playstyle. In eFootball terms, this positions him as a deep-lying creative force rather than a pure winger. He:
- Drops into midfield to receive passes and initiate build-up play
- Uses close control and dribbling to weave through tight defensive lines
- Creates for teammates through his Visionary Pass skill, which enhances the accuracy and range of through balls
- Stays high in stamina since he has minimal defensive involvement
- Can finish in the 90s rating range, though his movement is relatively static
The main limitation of this card compared to other Messi versions is lack of natural movement runs. He tends to stay in position rather than making off-the-ball runs, which suits a possession-based passing style but may frustrate players who want a dynamic running threat.
The Big Time New Year 2026 Messi
This card uses the Creative Playmaker playstyle, which is more movement-oriented than the Classic No. 10. The differences:
- He stays deep to collect the ball and drives forward independently
- His two rare skills, Momentum Dribbling and Blitz Curler, are among the most impactful rare skills in the game for attacking players
- Momentum Dribbling allows him to chain directional changes at speed without losing the ball
- Blitz Curler lets him cut onto his right foot from a wide position and generate powerful curling finishes that are extremely difficult to defend
- His sprint speed and acceleration are high for this card version, matching the 2007 Messi peak physical attributes
This card is considered by the community to be the strongest Messi version available when played at his correct positional setup with the Shooting booster equipped.
All Players in the Leo Messi Edition 2026 Pack
Beyond Messi himself, the pack includes Highlight cards that offer real squad depth across every position:
| Player | Position | Notable Attribute |
| Kevin De Bruyne | AMF / Creative Playmaker | Elite passing and switch-of-play ability |
| Robert Lewandowski | CF | Aerial dominance and clinical finishing |
| Mohamed Salah | RWF | High pace, cutting inside from the right |
| Luka Modrić | CMF | Technical playmaker, excellent ball retention |
| Nicolás Otamendi | CB / Destroyer | Physical aggression and aerial defending |
| Jonathan Clauss | RB / Offensive Wingback | Balanced fullback, overlapping energy |
| Yassine Bounou | GK | Reliable shot-stopper with strong positioning |
The Deluxe edition adds three additional Highlight players not specified in the standard listing, which Konami reveals upon purchase. Based on the Yamal Edition pattern, these additional cards tend to be positionally complementary to the existing roster.
Is the eFootball Messi Pack Worth It?
The eFootball Messi Edition delivers strong value for players who want an immediate Epic-quality creative midfielder or forward with customization potential. The Messi card’s Visionary Pass skill makes him genuinely useful in possession-based systems, and the supporting cast of De Bruyne, Lewandowski, and Salah adds options across multiple positions.
The honest caveat: if you already own the Epic Big Time MSN pack Messi, the Edition card’s 2024 Argentina version is a lateral move rather than an upgrade. Both cards compete for the same formation slot and similar roles. Players with neither card will find the Edition Messi a meaningful boost to Dream Team squads at any level.
The Deluxe edition earns its premium through the doubled EXP tokens alone, which save significant grinding time. The cosmetic exclusives (uniform, avatars) are secondary considerations.
Pro Tips: Getting the Most from eFootball Leo Messi Edition 2026
- Claim all items before August 13, 2026: The pack’s sale deadline is August 6, but item claiming closes August 13. Do not wait until the last day to access your content after purchasing.
- Add the Shooting booster to the empty Booster Slot before training: Equipping the booster before spending EXP Tokens ensures every development level contributes to your chosen stat configuration. Changing the booster after leveling wastes the cumulative stat gains.
- Use a manager with 89+ overall rating to unlock the 110 rating ceiling: Managers below this threshold cannot activate the maximum potential rating. Check your available manager cards and assign the highest-rated option you own.
- Pair Messi with a fast striker and a wide forward for best chemistry: His Classic No. 10 role works best when flanked by players who make the movement runs he does not make himself. Pairing him with a pace-oriented forward ensures the team still generates vertical threat alongside his creative contribution.
Common Mistakes When Building the eFootball Messi Card
- Spending EXP Tokens before setting the Booster Slot: Players who rush to develop Messi without equipping their chosen second booster first lock in a suboptimal stat distribution. Fix: Equip your preferred additional booster first, then spend every EXP Token in sequence.
- Using a low-rated manager and wondering why the card underperforms: The 110 rating ceiling requires an 89-rated or above manager to activate. Using a lower-rated manager leaves stat potential untapped. Fix: Prioritize obtaining or upgrading your manager card before investing development resources into the Messi card.
- Choosing the standard edition when planning to develop Messi fully: The standard edition’s 11 EXP Tokens cover a fraction of the development needed for maximum level, requiring significant additional grinding. Fix: If full development is your goal, the Deluxe edition’s 22 tokens produce a meaningfully faster path to the 110 rating ceiling and are worth the additional investment.
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Dream Team matches in eFootball are real-time online competitions where connection quality determines whether Messi’s dribbling inputs register the frame they are executed or a frame late. Packet loss and unstable routing create the kind of input lag that turns elite card stats into on-pitch frustration.
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All images related to eFootball and Lionel Messi used in this blog post belong to their respective owners (KONAMI and FIFPRO). They are used for informational and educational purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with the rights holders.
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