So we're more or less the same age. The idea of Messi being the best of all time has been exaggerated all because of his stats/awards. But what many, mostly younger people seems to forget is comparing players from different eras simply can't be done.
If you're really seem Maradona like I did, and all those others, like I also did, you realized football was as tough as it could be. The times I've seen something skilled players like Maradona back in the day almost getting their legs broken was just too many. Referees didn't protect anyone no matter how famous, something they do today. Defenders didn't hold back. What is certainly a red today was a yellow card, if that, back then.
You can't tell me the best player of all time is the one who cries over being tackled just a little bit in South America. He wouldn't survive what Pelé went through in 66', what Maradona got from Goikoetxea. Hell, do yourself a favor and rewatch the 78' WC final, it was a bloodbath. Messi and his modern counterparts wouldn't have one lasted one half.
He's a soft player for a soft generation of weak defending, angel guarding referees and a player that will never do anything worthy outside Barcelona. Great talent, one of the best for that reason. Of all time? $#@! that, Pelé and Cruyff were true revolutionaries and Maradona a monster at any level, any club.