كتب : Omar AbdelAziz
The 19-year-old Barcelona wizard has been often placed in comparison with the Argentine legend, but Messi believes that Maradona remains a benchmark.
"I've been compared with Maradona several times in my career, and although that makes me feel very proud, I honestly don't think that a comparison with a player like him is possible," Messi told Uefa.com.
"I say this because Diego is the best football player who has ever existed, there is no question about that in my mind."
However, the Barca star proved he is worth such a high-profile comparison when he scored a brilliant goal after a stunning solo effort against Getafe in the Spanish Copa Del Rey, evoking memories of Maradona's infamous goal against England in the 1986 World Cup finals.
"I have to admit that the goal against Getafe was the most beautiful goal I've ever scored," said Messi.
"Honestly it's very hard to think of anything under those circumstances because it all happens so fast, but I quickly realized I had scored a goal very similar to Maradona's in 1986 when the ball hit the back of the net."
The wonder kid also mentioned his superb hat-trick in the 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the 'Spanish Clasico', as a glamorous point in his career.
"I won't ever forget the match against Real Madrid because it was my first hat-trick and on top of that, it was against them, our biggest rivals."