Former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano has said that Diego Maradona was more artistic than Lionel Messi, but feels that the 24-year-old is more efficient.

Messi became Barcelona's all-time leading goalscorer on Tuesday after hitting a hat-trick in the Catalans' 5-3 win over Granada.

Valdano believes that the attacker has what it takes to exceed Pele and Maradona as the best ever, but maintained that Maradona was a much more unique player.

"We judge Maradona based on his entire career, while Messi is still only 24. The fact that we're already comparing them is a tribute to what Lionel has achieved," Valdano was quoted as saying by Sport.

"If we have to differ between them, you can say that Maradona was more artistic and had a unique, beautiful style of play. Messi on the other hand is more efficient and more consistent. He's dangerous every time he gets the ball.

"If he continues to perform at this level, he will exceed everyone, including Pele."

Messi is likely to be in action for Barcelona on Saturday in the away game against Mallorca.