Master FIFA 23’s viral new tackle animation: Execution tips, strategic uses, and how to avoid online frustration
Deconstructing the Viral FIFA 23 Tackle Phenomenon
A newly discovered tackling animation within the FIFA 23 beta has ignited social media, captivating the player base with its sheer audacity and physicality.
While Lionel Messi is famed for his sublime finesse shots and mesmerizing dribbles, a viral video has revealed him performing an exceptionally aggressive, leaping tackle that defies his usual graceful persona.
FIFA 23 represents a pivotal transition year, as EA Sports concludes its long-standing licensing partnership with FIFA and lays the groundwork for its future as EA Sports FC. This period of change has brought substantial gameplay refinements.
Significant updates have overhauled the Ultimate Team experience, including a revamped Chemistry system and the introduction of new ‘Moments’ gameplay challenges.
Beyond content updates, the core gameplay has received meticulous attention, with a suite of new animations enhancing player physicality—particularly in defensive engagements. The standout is a brutal tackle animation that went viral after depicting Messi launching a flying kick at Liverpool’s Fabinho.
The clip subverts all expectations: if told Messi and Fabinho clashed, one would assume the Brazilian midfielder was the aggressor. Yet, the footage clearly shows the Argentine forward as the instigator of a devastating challenge.
This viral moment highlights that FIFA 23’s animation engine possesses more depth and variety than initially apparent, suggesting a wider range of physical interactions are now possible.
Gameplay Impact & Strategic Analysis
The viral clip, sourced from Twitter user @WorldofJCC, depicts Fabinho in possession with Messi rapidly closing him down. In a desperate attempt to regain the ball, Messi propels himself into the air, executing a high-force tackle reminiscent of a martial arts move that cleanly takes out the opponent.
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Pro Clubs is going to be an absolute shambles with this tackle on FIFA 23 😭 pic.twitter.com/ONYJKfrBdf
This animation appears to be a novel addition, and as the original poster hinted, its popularity in online modes like Pro Clubs and Division Rivals is guaranteed. Understanding its mechanics is now a competitive necessity.
Practical Execution & Strategic Use: While the exact button combination is unconfirmed, data-mined information and beta player reports suggest it’s a context-sensitive animation triggered by a standing tackle command (Circle/B) when a player has high aggression/strength stats, is at a full sprint, and is slightly off-balance relative to the ball carrier. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move. Optimal use is as a last-ditch effort to stop a clear scoring chance, not a routine defensive tool.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them: The most frequent mistake will be spamming this tackle. It has a long recovery animation, leaving your defense completely exposed if you miss. It also carries an extremely high probability of drawing a straight red card. To avoid crippling your team, use it only 1-2 times per match at most, and never with your last defender. Instead, rely on jockeying (L2/LT) and controlled tackles for consistent defense.
Expect to encounter this move frequently in online matches, particularly from frustrated opponents. The key to countering it is awareness: if you see an opponent charging recklessly, a simple directional tap or skill move (Ball Roll is highly effective) will cause them to whiff and be sent off for their trouble.
Player Adaptation Guide & Future Outlook
This tackle is more than a meme; it’s a indicator of FIFA 23’s increased emphasis on physical duels and consequential defending. Players must adapt their defensive mindset.
Optimization for Advanced Players: Integrate this tackle into a broader defensive scheme. Use it selectively to intimidate opponents and make them hesitant to dribble in dangerous areas. Pair aggressive, high-strength defenders (e.g., Van Dijk, Koulibaly) with more positionally disciplined partners to cover for the high-risk maneuver. In Ultimate Team, consider a Chemistry Style that boosts Aggression or Strength on suitable defenders to potentially increase the trigger likelihood.
As EA Sports prepares to launch its independent EA Sports FC franchise, animations like this showcase a commitment to more dramatic, physics-driven gameplay. This evolution points toward a future where player individuality and physical presence are even more pronounced, making mastery of all tools—even the most spectacular ones—essential for competitive success.
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