Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona

Messi won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 1 FIFA World Cup (2022) with 474 career goals, while Maradona won 2 Ballon d'Or awards and 1 FIFA World Cup (1986) with 259 career goals. Messi achieved greater statistical dominance and longevity across his career, while Maradona is credited with carrying Argentina to World Cup victory more dramatically.