EA Sports has taken the controversial decision to relegate the Barcelona star behind his Real Madrid rival in the new game

Cristiano Ronaldo has been revealed as the best player on FIFA 17, with Lionel Messi relegated to second and taking a knock to his player ratings.

Messi was rated a 94 on FIFA 16 but, despite many players’ stats being boosted this year, the Barcelona forward has been downgraded by one point to 93 for the new release.

The Barcelona star is no longer the cover star of the game, having swapped his allegiances to Pro Evolution Soccer 2017, FIFA’s rival, which could have played a part in his statistical demotion.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, can celebrate being king of FIFA 17 after his Champions League and Euro 2016 heroics have rocketed him to a 94 rating.

See ratings here: http://www.istylmagazine.com/news/sports/messi-downgraded-on-fifa-17-as-ronaldo-reigns-supreme-in-player-ratings/