Messi is the best of this era. Maradona was the best of his era. Same way, Pele was the best of his era. Very difficult to compare between eras in any meaningful way. Looking at the actual output in terms of statistics and trophies won, Messi is number one, but then you may ask what if Pele and Maradona had the same facilities as Messi, the same advanced fitness regimes, better healthcare, better pitches, safer rules - what could have they achieved?