Lionel Messi Summer Stars SBC: How to Complete, Cost, and Review in FC 26
By Alfie Carrington••3 min read
The wait is over for Ultimate Team fans as the legendary Lionel Messi receives a massive Summer Stars upgrade in FC 26. This special edition commemorates the Argentine's continued brilliance on the international and club stage during the 2026 season. Available through a comprehensive 11-segment Squad Building Challenge (SBC), this card is arguably the most sought-after item of the summer, offering elite-tier stats that reflect his status as the greatest of all time.
Summer Stars Messi: In-Game Performance and Playstyles
The 98-rated Summer Stars Messi is a masterpiece of technical proficiency. Boasting 5-star skill moves and a 5-star weak foot, he can dismantle any defense with ease. Most notably, this card features a quadruple Playstyle Plus setup, enhancing his finesse shots, technical dribbling, and playmaking abilities to superhuman levels. His movement in the final third and clinical finishing make him the ultimate centerpiece for any attacking formation in FC 26.
Argentina
Exchange a squad featuring players from Argentina.
43,750
40,500
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Player Argentina
- •Team Rating: Min. 90
Top Form
Exchange a squad featuring a TOTW, TOTS, FOF, FUTTIES or Ultimate Rewind player
41,500
38,500
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Any TOTW/TOTS/FOF/FUTTIES
- •Team Rating: Min. 90
91-Rated Squad
Exchange a 91-Rated Squad.
49,250
47,250
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 91
91-Rated Squad
Exchange a 91-Rated Squad.
49,250
47,250
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 91
91-Rated Squad
Exchange a 91-Rated Squad.
48,750
47,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 91
91-Rated Squad
Exchange a 91-Rated Squad.
49,750
47,250
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 91
92-Rated Squad
Exchange a 92-Rated Squad.
57,500
57,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 92
92-Rated Squad
Exchange a 92-Rated Squad.
57,500
56,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 92
92-Rated Squad
Exchange a 92-Rated Squad.
58,000
56,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 92
92-Rated Squad
Exchange a 92-Rated Squad.
58,500
56,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 92
91-Rated Squad
Exchange a 91-Rated Squad.
49,250
53,500
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 91
Cost Analysis and Challenge Rewards
Completing the Lionel Messi SBC is no small feat, requiring 11 separate squads. The current estimated market cost stands at 563,000 on consoles and 547,250 on PC. While the price is high, the reward value of 72,000 is supplemented by 11 individual pack rewards, including the Prime Mixed Players Pack, Premium Mixed Players Pack, and Small Rare Mixed Players Pack. These packs offer a great chance to recoup some coins or stock up on high-rated fodder for future SBCs.
Lionel Messi's Historic 2026 Season
This SBC celebrates a historic year for Messi. In real life, 2026 has been another landmark season for the 39-year-old maestro. He led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup Final, showcasing his enduring quality on the global stage. Domestically, he has continued to dominate the MLS with Inter Miami, tallying 14 goals and numerous assists throughout the campaign. His recent record-breaking performance in the Leagues Cup, where he became the all-time top scorer with 14 goals, further cements his legacy as he continues to defy age.
- Winner of a record 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 2022 World Cup Champion.
- All-time leading goalscorer and assist provider in football history.
- Reached the 2026 World Cup Final with Argentina, scoring crucial goals in the knockout stages.
- Named All-Time Men's World Best Player by IFFHS in 2025.
- Maintains elite performance at Inter Miami, leading the Eastern Conference scoring charts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the Lionel Messi Summer Stars SBC expire?
- The SBC is available until September 19, 2026, giving you plenty of time to grind for fodder.
- Is this Messi SBC repeatable?
- No, this is a non-repeatable SBC that awards a unique untradeable Summer Stars Lionel Messi.
- What are the best chemistry styles for Summer Stars Messi?
- Due to his already maxed-out technical stats, a Hunter chemistry style is recommended to maximize his pace, or a Hawk to provide a slight physical boost.
