Not entirely true Dave. My father in law (Italian born, moved to Argentina at 15) saw Pele, Maradona and Messi. He says Pele was the the best he ever saw but that Messi is better than Maradona. It's still only an opinion. I saw Maradona too but not as much as Messi. (neither did you I imagine, or the vast majority of people, due to the difference in tv coverage over the years).
I also think Maradona had more magic and invention (the Spanish call it 'fantasia'), Messi was more consistant and a better finisher. As well as being one of the best passers I've ever seen with incredible vision. Has to be said that Maradona was amazing in that department too.
I tend to agree with the idea that we can't reasonably compare players from different eras. Though it's human nature to try.
Must insist that it's really unfair to dismiss Messi as merely 'a pure dribbler with great balance'. Makes him sound like Peter Beagrie.