I like that so many still have Maradona ahead.
But people watching highlights reels in a few years time, who never saw either in real time, will naturally conclude Messi was the better player. And on top of that his stats (especially goals) far exceed Maradona's.
And yet Maradona had this enormous presence, he was head and shoulders above his peers, even greats like Michel Platini. Let's recall that he played in far less forgiving circumstances. The pitches were a long way from today's standards, there was little referee protection, and so comparisons are really hard. His achievements with Napoli and particularly with the national team exceed those of Messi. And for sure most Argentines still prefer Maradona, and would take peak Maradona over peak Messi in their team all day long.
My heart says Maradona, my head says Messi.