Messi’s lack of silverware with Argentina is the only reason he is still compared with Maradona. It is wrong that winning tournaments with the national side is prerequisite to be considered among greats. Johan Cryuff, Zico and George Best never won a WC, but their position in the pantheon of greats is indisputable. Maradona won the WC because his team-mates took those goal scoring chances while Messi’s didn’t. And coach Carlos Billardo also played a key role for Argentina in 1986 WC. Jorge Valdano and Jorge Burruchaga aided Maradona, unlike Higuain/Di Maria/Pastore.

Messi plays a neat, clean game and stays on his legs unless a really nasty tackle brings him down.

Maradona is still being compared with Messi due to Messi’s lack of silverware with Argentina. Had Argentina won one of either 2014 World Cup, 2015 Copa America or 2016 Copa America Centenario, Maradona would be biting dust from the pages of footballing history books.

NOTE: This is my own opinion. Constructive discussions are welcome.