Legends shouldn't be rated by length of peak, but by the best 3-5 years of their peak.
Cause in the 60ties, late 80ties and 90ties, in the wrong competition you'd be injured Alot.
Today, there is huge protection. As if Messi would have never been out half a season if he got Hierro or Ayala two foot frontal assault on his ankle.
Money, more scarse talent, and completer teams also change things.
Maradona was insane. At choking bar à and mediocre Napoli.
Today, he'd be at Madrid. Being protected.
Ronaldo with modern medical follow-up. He'd might have CR7s longetivity
Zidane would face teams considerably less organised, in a balanced Madrid.
Platini had 5 legendary years. Of which 3 arguably the best ever years. Imagine him with proper surroundings and follow-up, and double that peak.
Nah. Take the best 3-5 years of a player and compare.