eChampions League holder Nicolas Villalba: 'For now, I'm better than Messi'

Nicolas Villalba bears all the hallmarks of a bona fide superhero. When we meet him via Zoom from his bedroom in Buenos Aires, he's in Clark Kent mode: polite and unassuming, with a gentle smile. But put a PlayStation controller in his hand and load up a game of EA SPORTS FIFA to see a man transformed: nicolas99fc steps up, striking fear into the hearts of his opponents – not to mention goals into their nets.

The 23-year-old professional FIFA player won last year's eChampions League tournament, representing David Beckham's Guild Esports. As well as getting to lift the trophy in Stockholm, the Argentinian earned almost €70,000 in winnings. As Villalba prepared to defend his title, we caught up with him to learn more about his triumph, his World Cup celebrations and his tactics.

After losing the first match of the final 3-1 on aggregate to Matias Bonanno, you came back from a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the second to win 7-2 on aggregate. How did you pull off that spectacular comeback?

I always try to read Matias's games because he's amazing. Also, I was trying to be focused after [losing] the first two legs. I talked with my coach about what I should do and he said against players like Matias, you don't have to play with any specific formations or tactics, you have to play with your talent and your heart. Then I started to score one, two, three, four – and, eventually, seven.

Speaking of triumphs, how did you celebrate Argentina's World Cup win?

I was in my bedroom and my family were in the living room. It was a superstition. Us Argentinians, we believe a lot in superstitions. I screamed a lot after the last penalty and then I cried for ten minutes. Then, when Messi lifted the trophy, I started to cry again!

Do you think Lionel Messi could match you in a game of FIFA?

In football he's amazing. But I think in FIFA, right now, he can't beat me. He's special so if he practised for one year, maybe he could be really, really good. But, for now, I am better than Messi.

What is your preferred formation on FIFA 23?

I really like 4-4-2. I just try to play it simple. I want to attack with one midfielder and one staying back, but playing with both staying back is really good for me; I don't know why, but it has helped me a lot. And I know the exact moment to change things. Maybe the game is really close, then you change the formation and you're winning easily.

How do you improve yourself tactically?

I analyse my games with my coach but I also try new formations. Maybe I already know 4-4-2 works against you so I try to play another formation, to see how to adapt. I do that a lot. If you win or lose, that's OK. But try new things.

You have a nickname, The Iceman, because you're very composed. Do you feel any extra pressure going into the tournament as reigning champion?

No, I don't think it's extra pressure. But I've got motivation, because I am defending the title. That is really good, because we are all playing to be the champion but I want to defend my trophy. I would play right now if I could!

This is an edited extract from the new issue of Champions Journal, the official magazine of the Champions League. You can buy a copy at champions-journal.com.