Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona
type: Article
description: Messi won more individual awards (8 Ballon d'Or vs Maradona's 2) and played in a more competitive modern era, while Maradona achieved greater single-tournament dominance by nearly single-handedly winning the 1986 World Cup.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-09T11:45:28.559Z
date created: 2026-07-09T11:45:28.559Z
date modified: 2026-07-09T11:45:28.609Z
content reference time: 2026-07-09T11:45:28.609Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Lionel Andrés Messi
about: Diego Armando Maradona
abstract: Messi won more individual awards (8 Ballon d'Or vs Maradona's 2) and played in a more competitive modern era, while Maradona achieved greater single-tournament dominance by nearly single-handedly winning the 1986 World Cup.
text: Ballon d'Or Awards. International Goals. Club Career Goals. World Cup Performance (Single Tournament). Peak Playing Era Competitiveness. Career Longevity at Elite Level. Copa América Championships
conclusion text: Messi holds superior statistical records across nearly every metric and played in a significantly more competitive modern era, making him the more dominant player across his career. However, Maradona's 1986 World Cup remains the greatest single-tournament performance in football history, and his ability to elevate weaker teams showcases a different type of dominance. Choose Messi if evaluating overall career achievement and consistency; choose Maradona if judging transformative impact and single-tournament brilliance.
additional property: Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 840+ goals in 1,004 matches | Diego Armando Maradona: 346 goals in 754 matches
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 (2022) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 300+ | Diego Armando Maradona: 89 assists
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Top Speed (Peak)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 32.5 | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Games Played (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 900+ | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Goals-Per-Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.82 per game | Diego Armando Maradona: 0.68 per game
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 37 | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Diego Armando Maradona: 2 awards
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 World Cup (2022) | Diego Armando Maradona: 1 World Cup (1986)
additional property: Peak Career Longevity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 23 seasons (2003-2026) | Diego Armando Maradona: 14 seasons (1976-1991)
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: La Liga/Serie A Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 10 La Liga titles | Diego Armando Maradona: 2 Serie A titles
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: 1986 World Cup Tournament Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8.5 (group stage underperformance) | Diego Armando Maradona: 10 (near-perfect; 6 goals, 2 assists, 5 created goals)
  value reference: Diego Armando Maradona
additional property: Assists Per Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.164 assists/match (195+ career assists) | Diego Armando Maradona: 0.227 assists/match (estimated 20+ assists per season peak)
  value reference: Diego Armando Maradona
additional property: Global Recognition/Reach
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2,600 million (social media followers) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Potassium Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A (person) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Career/Product Longevity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years professional career (2004-2025) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Peak Performance Window
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 15-20 years (2005-2020 prime years) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Economic Value Per Unit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: Career total $600,000,000 | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Fiber Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A (person) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Competitive Achievements
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 Ballon d'Or awards | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards (Career Total)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: International Goals (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 106 goals in 180 appearances | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: FIFA World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 title (2022) | Diego Armando Maradona: 1
additional property: International Assists (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 42 assists in 180 games | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Career Goals (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Diego Armando Maradona: 345 goals
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 97 goals in 180 appearances | Diego Armando Maradona: 34 goals in 91 appearances
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: World Cup Tournament Peak
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 goal, 3 assists (2022, age 35) | Diego Armando Maradona: 5 goals, 5 assists (1986, age 26)
additional property: Major Trophy Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 35 major trophies | Diego Armando Maradona: 15 major trophies
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Elite-Level Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years (2004-2025) | Diego Armando Maradona: 15 years (1976-1991)
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Consecutive Ballon d'Or Nominations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 consecutive (2008-2015) | Diego Armando Maradona: 4 consecutive (1986-1989)
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Playing Style Impact
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: Playmaker-forward hybrid; creator of goals for teammates (336+ assists) | Diego Armando Maradona: Solo dribbler; direct impact on weaker squad elevation
additional property: Goals Per Game Ratio (International)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.73 goals/game | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Copa América Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 titles (2021, 2024) | Diego Armando Maradona: 0
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Successful Dribbles Per Game (Peak Era 2010-2012)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 71% success rate | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: International Appearances (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 180 appearances | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Career Total Goals (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 820+ goals | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: La Liga/Serie A/Ligue 1 Titles Combined
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 16 La Liga titles | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Peak Season Goal-Scoring Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 73 goals (2011-12 season) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Copa América/Euro Titles Combined
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 Copa América (2021, 2024) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Career Goals Scored (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Career Assists (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 192 assists | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Years Elite Performance Sustained
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 13 years (2008-2021 peak) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: La Liga Titles Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 10 titles | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Career Goals (Official)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 823 | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Peak Years at Elite Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 (2004-2025) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A
additional property: Copa America Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 | Diego Armando Maradona: 0 titles
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Career Goals Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 805 goals | Diego Armando Maradona: 259 goals
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: International Caps
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 180 appearances | Diego Armando Maradona: 91 appearances
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/lionel-andr-s-messi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/lionel-andr-s-messi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/diego-armando-maradona
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/diego-armando-maradona
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona)))
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona)))
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona)
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teaches: How to choose between Lionel Andrés Messi and Diego Armando Maradona
genre: Sports

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type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Lionel Andrés Messi
type: Person
alternate name: LAM
alternate name: Lionel Andr S Messi
language: en-US
description: Argentine forward with record 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 840+ career goals
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Andrés Messi
subject of: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Andrés Messi

Diego Armando Maradona
type: Person
alternate name: DAM
language: en-US
description: Argentine forward who nearly single-handedly won 1986 World Cup and 2-time Ballon d'Or winner
image: ImageObject
  caption: Diego Armando Maradona
subject of: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona
image: ImageObject
  caption: Diego Armando Maradona

Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona. Contains 74 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
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Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona.
has defined term: Scoring
has defined term: Major Trophies
has defined term: Playmaking
has defined term: Physical Attributes
has defined term: Experience
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Physical Profile
has defined term: Individual Honours
has defined term: Consistency
has defined term: League Championships
has defined term: Single Tournament Performance
has defined term: Influence & Accessibility
has defined term: Nutrition
has defined term: Duration & Sustainability
has defined term: Market Value
has defined term: Achievement
has defined term: Individual Awards
has defined term: Offensive Output
has defined term: Major Honors
has defined term: Creative Output
has defined term: National Team
has defined term: Tournament Dominance
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Tactical Influence
has defined term: Regional Honors
has defined term: Technical Ability
has defined term: Domestic League Success
has defined term: Offensive Consistency
has defined term: Continental Championships
has defined term: Club Trophies
has defined term: Career Longevity
has defined term: Continental Trophies
has defined term: International Experience
has defined term: Major Tournament Success
has defined term: Peak Performance
has defined term: Scoring Record
has defined term: Major Achievements
has defined term: Tournament Peak
has defined term: Club Achievements
has defined term: Club Success
has defined term: Scoring Efficiency
has defined term: Tournament Performance
has defined term: Career Span

Scoring
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Major Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: major-trophies
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Playmaking
type: DefinedTerm
term code: playmaking
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Physical Attributes
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-attributes
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: experience
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: efficiency
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Physical Profile
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-profile
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Individual Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-honours
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Consistency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: consistency
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

League Championships
type: DefinedTerm
term code: league-championships
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Single Tournament Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: single-tournament-performance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Influence & Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: influence-&-accessibility
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Nutrition
type: DefinedTerm
term code: nutrition
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Duration & Sustainability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: duration-&-sustainability
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-value
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Achievement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: achievement
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Individual Awards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-awards
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Offensive Output
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-output
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Major Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: major-honors
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Creative Output
type: DefinedTerm
term code: creative-output
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

National Team
type: DefinedTerm
term code: national-team
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Dominance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-dominance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: longevity
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tactical Influence
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tactical-influence
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Regional Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: regional-honors
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technical Ability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technical-ability
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Domestic League Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: domestic-league-success
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Offensive Consistency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-consistency
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Continental Championships
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-championships
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Club Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: club-trophies
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Career Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: career-longevity
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Continental Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-trophies
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-experience
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Major Tournament Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: major-tournament-success
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Peak Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: peak-performance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scoring Record
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring-record
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Major Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: major-achievements
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Peak
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-peak
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Club Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: club-achievements
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Club Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: club-success
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scoring Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring-efficiency
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-performance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Career Span
type: DefinedTerm
term code: career-span
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-09T11:45:28.609Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona)))
main entity: Who is the better player of all time?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi is statistically the better overall player with 8 Ballon d'Or awards, 840+ career goals, and 23-season elite peak. However, Maradona's 1986 World Cup (6 goals, 2 assists, 5 created goals in one tournament) remains the greatest individual tournament performance. Most experts rank them 1-2 interchangeably, with Messi ahead for sustained dominance and Maradona ahead for transformative single-tournament impact.
    language: en-US
main entity: Did Maradona play against better defenders?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No. Maradona played in the 1980s-early 1990s when Serie A had elite defenders but fewer high-scoring seasons overall (average 24.2 goals/season top scorer). Messi played in a more offensively dominant era (2008-2020 La Liga averaged 73.4 goals/season) but faced more specialized defensive tactics designed specifically to stop him. Both faced world-class defenders appropriate to their era.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who won more World Cups?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Both won 1 World Cup each (Maradona in 1986, Messi in 2022). However, Maradona's 1986 performance is widely considered superior—he scored 6 goals with 2 assists and created 5 critical goals, nearly single-handedly carrying Argentina. Messi's 2022 win was more team-dependent, though he scored 7 tournament goals and achieved his lifetime dream at age 35.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who was better at club level?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi is significantly better at club level with 840+ goals in 1,004 matches (83.6% goal-per-game rate) across Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami, versus Maradona's 346 goals in 754 matches (45.9% goal-per-game rate). Messi won 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League trophies. Maradona's Napoli success (1990 Serie A) is viewed as a greater team achievement despite fewer trophies.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who elevated their team more?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Maradona elevated weaker teams more dramatically—transforming mid-table Napoli into Serie A champions in 1990 and nearly carrying Argentina past West Germany in 1986 with far inferior squad depth. Messi required world-class midfielders (Xavi, Iniesta) and strong supporting casts to achieve peak success, though he did lead Argentina to 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup victory with less elite teammates in his 30s.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Lionel Andrés Messi and Diego Armando Maradona
type: HowTo
description: Messi won more individual awards (8 Ballon d'Or vs Maradona's 2) and played in a more competitive modern era, while Maradona achieved greater single-tournament dominance by nearly single-handedly winning the 1986 World Cup.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
step: Consider: International Goals
step: Consider: Club Career Goals
step: Consider: World Cup Performance (Single Tournament)
step: Consider: Peak Playing Era Competitiveness
step: Consider: Career Longevity at Elite Level
step: Consider: Copa América Championships
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Messi holds superior statistical records across nearly every metric and played in a significantly more competitive modern era, making him the more dominant player across his career. However, Maradona's 1986 World Cup remains the greatest single-tournament performance in football history, and his ability to elevate weaker teams showcases a different type of dominance. Choose Messi if evaluating overall career achievement and consistency; choose Maradona if judging transformative impact and single-tournament brilliance.

Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Andrés Messi has 8 awards (2009-2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), while Diego Armando Maradona has 2 awards (1986, 1990).

Consider: International Goals
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: International Goals: Lionel Andrés Messi has 97 goals in 180 appearances, while Diego Armando Maradona has 34 goals in 91 appearances.

Consider: Club Career Goals
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Club Career Goals: Lionel Andrés Messi has 840+ goals across 1,004 appearances, while Diego Armando Maradona has 346 goals in 754 appearances.

Consider: World Cup Performance (Single Tournament)
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: World Cup Performance (Single Tournament): Lionel Andrés Messi has Won 2022 World Cup; 7 goals in tournament, while Diego Armando Maradona has Won 1986 World Cup; 6 goals in tournament; 2 assists.

Consider: Peak Playing Era Competitiveness
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Peak Playing Era Competitiveness: Lionel Andrés Messi has 2008-2020 (La Liga had avg 73.4 goals/season top scorer), while Diego Armando Maradona has 1984-1994 (Serie A had avg 24.2 goals/season top scorer).

Consider: Career Longevity at Elite Level
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Career Longevity at Elite Level: Lionel Andrés Messi has 23 seasons (2003-2026) at peak level, while Diego Armando Maradona has 14 seasons (1976-1991) at peak level.

Consider: Copa América Championships
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Copa América Championships: Lionel Andrés Messi has 2 titles (2021, 2024), while Diego Armando Maradona has 2 titles (1987, 1989).

Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona
type: SportsEvent
description: Messi won more individual awards (8 Ballon d'Or vs Maradona's 2) and played in a more competitive modern era, while Maradona achieved greater single-tournament dominance by nearly single-handedly winning the 1986 World Cup.
language: en-US
start date: 2026-07-09T11:45:28.609Z
competitor: Lionel Andrés Messi
  type: Person
  description: Argentine forward with record 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 840+ career goals
competitor: Diego Armando Maradona
  type: Person
  description: Argentine forward who nearly single-handedly won 1986 World Cup and 2-time Ballon d'Or winner
organizer: A Versus B
is accessible for free: true

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona
review body: Messi won more individual awards (8 Ballon d'Or vs Maradona's 2) and played in a more competitive modern era, while Maradona achieved greater single-tournament dominance by nearly single-handedly winning the 1986 World Cup.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona

FIFA World Cup Championships
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 championship (2022) | Diego Armando Maradona: 1 championship (1986)

Copa América Championships
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 titles (2021, 2024) | Diego Armando Maradona: 2 titles (1987, 1989)

Single-Season Goal Record
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 92 goals (2012) | Diego Armando Maradona: Data unavailable

UEFA Champions League Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 4 titles | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A

Career Goals (Club & Country)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 820+ goals | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A

Peak Dribbling Success Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 58% (2011-2015) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A

Career Pass Completion Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 88% | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A

Professional Career Span
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 23 years (2003-2026) | Diego Armando Maradona: N/A

FIFA World Cup Titles Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 1

International Goals Scored
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 34 goals in 91 caps

1986 World Cup Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 8 goals, 5 assists (tournament-winning performance)

Club Domestic League Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 2 (Napoli 1990, 1991)

Copa Libertadores/South American Club Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 0

Peak Career Years
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 1980-1990 (ages 20-30)

Career International Caps
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 91 caps

International Career Length
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 18 years (1976-1994)

Major Club Trophies Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 9 major titles

International Goals-Per-Match Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 0.37 goals/match

International Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 91 matches

Peak Performance Years
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 10 years (1978-1988)

1986 World Cup Goals in Tournament
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 5 goals + 5 assists

Career Official Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 34 international goals

1986/1970 World Cup Performance (Peak Tournament)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 6 goals, 5 assists in 1986

Club Career Longevity
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 1976-1997

International Goals Per Match Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Diego Armando Maradona: 0.37

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Lionel Andrés Messi — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Diego Armando Maradona — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Lionel Andrés Messi vs Diego Armando Maradona
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona)))
object: Lionel Andrés Messi
object: Diego Armando Maradona

Club Domestic League Titles
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Club Achievements

Copa Libertadores/South American Club Titles
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Club Achievements

Peak Career Years
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Longevity

Career International Caps
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Longevity

International Career Length
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Longevity

Major Club Trophies Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Club Success

International Goals-Per-Match Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring Efficiency

International Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value reference: National Team

Peak Performance Years
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Longevity

1986 World Cup Goals in Tournament
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Single Tournament Performance

Career Official Goals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

1986/1970 World Cup Performance (Peak Tournament)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Tournament Performance

Club Career Longevity
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Span

International Goals Per Match Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring Efficiency