I am old school   "Pele" !!! I know this does not answer your question but it is my 2 cents worth...

If you look at Maradona's all round abilty he was better. He could lead a team - pass long and short - shoot long and short - dead ball expert and could dribble. He also scored from the half way line after doing keepie ups and has a world cup medal :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9NUqCJs9Jg

Messi is best soccer player as good as maradona. Both of them have a unique skill playing footbal.

I don't know because Messi is young yet and has many years in front of him. A lot will depend on how he handles things. He certainly has a bright future ahead of him.

i was talking about the 2 I mentioned.