EA Sports has dropped the player ratings for EA Sports FC 27, and Major League Soccer's virtual pitch reflects the league's growing star power. The numbers, based on real-world performances across recent campaigns, confirm that the Designated Player era continues to shape the North American game—both on the field and in the console.
At the top of the MLS standings sits Lionel Messi, the Argentine captain of Inter Miami, with an overall rating of 89. His in-game profile is a testament to his enduring brilliance: 90 dribbling, 89 passing, and 87 shooting. For fans who have watched him redefine the league since his arrival, these numbers feel less like a rating and more like a summary of his nightly impact.
Inter Miami's trio leads the way
Messi isn't alone in representing the pink and black at the summit. Inter Miami's heavy investment in global talent is evident as two more of their stars crack the top five. Brazilian midfielder Carlos Casemiro lands an 83 overall, anchored by elite defending (83) and physicality (78). Argentine international Rodrigo De Paul matches that 83 rating, bringing a balanced skill set—75 pace, 77 passing, 83 dribbling, and 83 physicality—that makes him a midfield engine in any virtual lineup.
This trio underscores how Miami has become a magnet for established stars, a trend that resonates beyond the game. The city's soccer culture, already vibrant with its Latino communities, now mirrors the diversity of the league itself. For a deeper look at how Latin music and culture have intertwined with mainstream sports and entertainment, check out our piece on how Fast & Furious became a home for Latino music and stars.
Lewandowski and Griezmann follow
Right behind Messi, two high-profile arrivals make their presence felt. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, now with Chicago Fire, earns an 84 overall, powered by an 85 shooting stat. His clinical finishing is a nightmare for virtual defenders. French forward Antoine Griezmann of Orlando City SC also sits at 84, with standout attributes in dribbling (87), shooting (85), and passing (85)—a complete attacking package that fits seamlessly into any playstyle.
These signings reflect a broader trend: MLS is no longer a retirement league but a destination for players still at their peak. The league's growing reputation is also drawing attention from across the Atlantic, as seen in the recent buzz around Rodri's decision to join Barcelona—a reminder that the global football conversation increasingly includes the Americas.
Top ten and beyond
The rest of the top ten features a mix of global veterans and attacking leaders. South Korean star Son Heung-Min leads LAFC with an 81 overall, while German midfielder Thomas Müller brings his trademark intelligence to Vancouver Whitecaps with an 80. Spanish playmaker Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Gabonese forward Denis Bouanga (LAFC), and Brazilian midfielder Evander Da Silva (Houston Dynamo) all check in at 79, rounding out a list that also includes familiar names like Luis Suárez and Marco Reus.
For those who follow the league closely, these ratings spark endless debate—Is Griezmann really on par with Lewandowski? Should Casemiro be higher? But beyond the numbers, they highlight the depth of talent now calling MLS home. The league's appeal to Latino fans is undeniable, with players like Messi, De Paul, and Gil carrying the flag for their countries. This connection between the pitch and the diaspora is something we explore in our coverage of the Miami concert that united Latino stars for disaster relief.
Complete top 27 ratings
Here's the full breakdown of the top 27 rated players in MLS according to EA Sports FC 27:
| Player | Overall | Pace | Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Defending | Physicality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 89 | 76 | 87 | 89 | 90 | 33 | 63 |
| Robert Lewandowski | 84 | 67 | 85 | 79 | 80 | 44 | 80 |
| Antoine Griezmann | 84 | 72 | 85 | 85 | 87 | 59 | 72 |
| Carlos Casemiro | 83 | 35 | 74 | 80 | 69 | 83 | 78 |
| Rodrigo De Paul | 83 | 75 | 77 | 83 | 83 | 75 | 83 |
| Son Heung-Min | 81 | 81 | 81 | 79 | 80 | 41 | 74 |
| Thomas Müller | 80 | 57 | 79 | 82 | 77 | 55 | 65 |
| Carles Gil | 79 | 70 | 71 | 79 | 80 | 38 | 62 |
| Denis Bouanga | 79 | 85 | 81 | 71 | 81 | 38 | 79 |
| Evander Da Silva | 79 | 72 | 78 | 79 | 81 | 66 | 71 |
| Anders Dreyer | 79 | 80 | 80 | 76 | 79 | 41 | 65 |
| Luis Suárez | 78 | 51 | 81 | 74 | 76 | 41 | 75 |
| Marco Reus | 78 | 53 | 81 | 81 | 79 | 52 | 61 |
| Hany Mukhtar | 78 | 82 | 74 | 77 | 80 | 44 | 62 |
| Alekséi Miranchuk | 78 | 71 | 69 | 77 | 81 | 31 | 60 |
| Pep Biel | 78 | 70 | 74 | 77 | 79 | 48 | 63 |
| Brais Méndez | 78 | 68 | 78 | 79 | 79 | 66 | 72 |
| Germán Berterame | 77 | 76 | 77 | 69 | 76 | 34 | 73 |
| Nicolás Fernández | 77 | 85 | 72 | 74 | 78 | 60 | 69 |
| Petar Musa | 77 | 82 | 76 | 63 | 71 | 41 | 81 |
| Martín Ojeda | 77 | 83 | 75 | 76 | 76 | 34 | 65 |
| Joaquín Pereyra | 77 | 67 | 70 | 77 | 75 | 64 | 69 |
| Cristian Roldán | 77 | 76 | 64 | 69 | 73 | 77 | 83 |
| Philip Zinckernagel | 77 | 82 | 74 | 75 | 77 | 50 | 67 |
| Kévin Denkey | 76 | 75 | 78 | 55 | 73 | 29 | 83 |
| Cristian Espinoza | 76 | 80 | 70 | 73 | 76 | 48 | 65 |
These ratings aren't just numbers—they're a reflection of how MLS has evolved into a league where global icons and rising talents coexist. For Latino fans, seeing names like Messi, De Paul, and Gil at the top is a point of pride, a reminder that our players continue to shape the beautiful game wherever it's played. And as the league grows, so does its cultural footprint, much like the music that J Balvin and Rosalía bring to the world stage.
Whether you're a gamer looking to build your ultimate MLS squad or a fan tracking the league's trajectory, these ratings offer a snapshot of where the sport stands—and where it's headed.
