The new free Messi card in eFootball uses the Classic No. 10 playstyle, different from his usual "Creative Playmaker" style.
A Different Kind of Messi
If you've played eFootball over the past few years, you know exactly what to expect from Lionel Messi. Whether he's on the right wing or playing as a second striker, his Creative Playmakerplaystyle has defined how he operates on the virtual pitch — drifting into spaces, finding pockets, and creating chances with that signature left foot.
So when Konami released a free Messi card with the Classic No. 10 playstyle, the community took notice. This isn't just another Messi card with slightly different stats. It's a completely different tactical tool. Understanding how Classic No. 10 works — and why it's so different from a Deep-Lying Forward — is the key to getting the most out of this card.
How Classic No. 10 Behaves
The Classic No. 10 is a throwback to the traditional trequartista — the old-school playmaker who operates in the hole behind the strikers. Unlike modern attacking midfielders who press, sprint, and make runs in behind, a Classic No. 10 plays a more patient, position-based game.
Here's what you'll notice on the pitch:
He drops deeper into pockets of space between the lines instead of hugging the wing or making forward runs. This means your Messi won't be glued to the right sideline. He'll float centrally, finding gaps in your opponent's midfield structure where he can receive the ball under less pressure.
He constantly repositions to find gaps in the opponent's midfield and defense so he's available for a pass, rather than sprinting in behind. The Classic No. 10 conserves stamina by avoiding unnecessary sprints, instead using intelligent movement to stay involved in the build-up.
His movement is about creating passing angles, not beating the last defender with pace. Think of him as a pivot — a fixed point in the final third who links midfield and attack, recycling possession and threading passes through tight channels.
How to Use Him Effectively
Position Him Centrally, Just Behind the Striker
The Classic No. 10 is designed for central positions. In eFootball, the playstyle is compatible with AMF (Attacking Midfielder), SS (Second Striker), and CMF (Central Midfielder). However, he's at his best in the attacking midfield role.
Formation recommendations:
- 4-2-3-1 with Messi as the central CAM
- 4-3-1-2 with Messi as the trequartista behind two strikers
In these setups, he has the freedom to roam the half-spaces, receive the ball between the lines, and orchestrate attacks without being isolated on the wing. Pair him with a mobile striker who makes runs in behind — that's when his through-ball ability becomes lethal.
How Classic No. 10 Is Different from Deep-Lying Forward
This is where things get interesting. On the surface, both playstyles involve dropping deep to receive the ball. But they function in fundamentally different ways.
Deep-Lying Forward (DLF)
A Deep-Lying Forward is a forward first, creator second. The playstyle is available for CF (Centre Forward) and SS (Second Striker) positions. When a DLF drops deep, it's typically to escape his marker and receive the ball from midfield, then either turn and drive forward or link with a partner striker.
Key characteristics of DLF:
- Drops from the front line to receive the ball
- Still fundamentally a striker — he wants to get into scoring positions eventually
- Helps increase overall passes, passing accuracy, and possession
- Operates closer to the penalty area than a Classic No. 10
- Example: Francesco Totti's Deep-Lying Forward card is a CF/SS who drops deep but remains a goal threat
Classic No. 10
A Classic No. 10 is a creator first, forward second. He doesn't drop deep to escape pressure — he lives in the space between the opponent's midfield and defense. His job is to stay available, receive the ball in dangerous areas, and create chances for others.
Key differences:
| Aspect | Classic No. 10 | Deep-Lying Forward |
|---|---|---|
| Base position | AMF/SS/CMF — behind the striker | CF/SS — the front line |
| Movement | Seeks gaps between the lines | Drops from the front to receive |
| Primary role | Creating chances for others | Linking play while remaining a goal threat |
| Goal threat | Secondary — passing comes first | Primary — still wants to score |
| Typical usage | Central AMF in 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-1-2 | Lone striker or one of two forwards |
Think of it this way: a Deep-Lying Forward drops deep to get the ball so he can then attack. A Classic No. 10 drops deep to get the ball so he can then pass.
Why This Messi Card Matters
Messi's usual Creative Playmaker style makes him a passing option who searches for spaces to playmake or finish. He's mobile, he drifts, and he's always available. That's the Messi we know.
The Classic No. 10 Messi is different. He's a fixed reference point in the hole. He won't drift to the right wing as often. He won't make as many runs in behind. But what he loses in mobility, he gains in central control.
If you've ever wanted to use Messi as a pure No. 10 — a player who sits in the pocket, dictates tempo, and delivers killer through balls — this is your card. Just don't expect him to run the channels or press like a madman. That's not what a Classic No. 10 does.
Position him centrally, give him the ball between the lines, and let the magic happen.