FC 26: Choosing Between Icon Messi, Showdown Pepe, and Flashback Dzeko - A Guide

Time: 2025-09-23

Welcome back to my EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team series! This isn't a pro guide; it's a real review from a dedicated but average player. With so many new SBCs and player cards like the Flashback Dzeko and Showdown Pepe dropping, along with packed items like Icon Messi, it's tough to know where to invest your resources. Today, I'm putting these three cards to the test to see who truly delivers on the pitch. My goal is to give you a honest, no-fluff perspective to help you decide which SBCs are worth completing. Let's dive in!

(Section 1: Showdown Pepe - The Verdict is Skip)
Let's start with the Showdown Pepe SBC. Honestly, this card feels underwhelming. His large model makes him clunky on the turn, and his dribbling lacks the responsive AI you want in a top-tier defender. Even when using his strength, he often gets bullied off the ball. His shooting is just okay. I tested him both at center-back and by pushing him forward, and the conclusion is clear: unless his team wins the showdown upgrade, he's a easy skip. He doesn't even make for a great Evolution fodder. Recommendation: Let this SBC expire.

(Section 2: Icon Messi - A Pleasant Pack Surprise)
Many of you have probably packed the Legendary Lionel Messi card already. I'll admit, my heart sank when I first saw him—a low-rated Icon can feel like a disappointment. However, he's actually quite usable! His small, lean model makes him incredibly agile. He's fantastic at dribbling in tight spaces, his passing is sharp, and he's surprisingly good at winning the ball back. His finishing is reliable, and the Dead Ball playstyle is a nice bonus. For an early-game CAM, he feels smoother than my Evolution Cole Palmer. He'll be a solid starter until I can upgrade to a Jamal Musiala later in the cycle.

(Section 3: Flashback Dzeko - The Hidden Gem)
Now, for the main event: the Flashback Edin Dzeko SBC. The community reaction has been mixed, but after testing him, I found him to be a lot of fun and very effective.

His shooting is absolutely clinical. With two key silver playstyles, his finishing is on par with a player like Haaland. His volleys are smooth and powerful, reminiscent of Harry Kane—but with a 5-star weak foot, he's even more versatile. He's a beast in open space, especially on counter-attacks where he can receive a through ball, take a touch, and fire. While his "Technical" playstyle isn't suited for intricate dribbling, he excels when you simplify his role: use him as a target man, play one-touch passes, and get him into the box for the finish. His heading is decent but not quite on Haaland's "animal" level.

If chemistry wasn't an issue, I'd love to pair him with Haaland for a ultimate powerhouse strike force. Recommendation: If you need a pure finisher, this Dzeko SBC is highly recommended.

(Conclusion & Call to Action)
So, there you have it. For my coins and fodder, Flashback Dzeko is the clear winner for pure fun and firepower. Icon Messi is a serviceable starter if you pack him, and Showdown Pepe is best avoided.

What cards should I test next? I'll be focusing on SBCs, Objective cards, and popular Evolutions. Let me know your requests in the comments! I'm also working on adding GIFs to make these reviews more visual. Thanks for reading, and may your packs be blessed!

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