(CNN) -- In the sight of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, the man who would be king awaits his destiny. 

Diminutive and unassuming, Lionel Messi's faith in his ability has never been in question -- but a God-like shadow has always haunted him. 

If Diego Maradona is a deity to Argentines, then Messi is a prophet. 

"He was our water in the desert," national coach Alejandro Sabella said of Messi after his side's World Cup quarterfinal victory over Belgium. 

Messi may not be Moses -- the ability to turn a rock into a pool of water is a stretch too far even for the Barcelona star -- but his football powers frequently attract supernatural praise. 

After his two goals against Nigeria, opposition coach Stephen Keshi declared that Messi was of a different planet -- specifically Jupiter, although he didn't explain why. 

Messi's achievements are well documented -- 381 goals in 466 matches for Barcelona, three European Champions League titles and six Spanish La Liga triumphs only tell half the story. 

Four times he has been named world player of the year, while his face is posted on billboards across the world, with sponsors clamoring for his signature. 

And yet, back where it all began, he does not receive the same affection as he does in the streets of Catalunya. 

"The name of Maradona will always be a heavy burden on Messi's shoulders," says Cristina Perez, one of Argentina's leading sports journalists. 

Maradona only ever won a Spanish Cup with Barcelona, before guiding Napoli to two Italian league titles, but it was on the international stage where he truly left his mark -- most notably leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. 
How many goals has Messi made?
In how many games?
For who?
Has he been the player of the year before?
More than once?
How many times?
Are sponsors actively wanting him?
Is he picture advertised locally or more widespread?
What did Coach Sabella say about Messi?
What did coach Keshi say about him?
Which one?
Was he Messi's coach?
What was he?
What prompted him to say that?
How many Spanish Cups did Maradona win?
Did he help Napoli win anything?
What?
What major win did he have in Argentina?
When?
Does he overshadow Messi?
381.
Messi's achievements are well documented -- 381 goals
466.
Messi's achievements are well documented -- 381 goals in 466 matches
Barcelona.
381 goals in 466 matches for Barcelona
Yes.
Four times he has been named world player of the year
Yes.
Four times he has been named world player of the year,
Four times.
Four times he has been named world player of the year, 
Yes.
 with sponsors clamoring for his signature. 
It's posted on billboards across the world.
 his face is posted on billboards across the world,
He was our water in the desert.
"He was our water in the desert," national coach Alejandro Sabella said of Messi
Messi was of a different planet.
oach Stephen Keshi declared that Messi was of a different planet -- specifically Jupiter,
Jupiter.
 coach Stephen Keshi declared that Messi was of a different planet -- specifically Jupiter,
No.
opposition coach Stephen Keshi 
Opposition coach.
opposition coach Stephen Keshi 
Messii made two goals against Nigeria.
After his two goals against Nigeria, opposition coach Stephen Keshi declared that Messi was of a different planet
One.
Maradona only ever won a Spanish Cup with Barcelona
Yes.
before guiding Napoli to two Italian league titles,
Two Italian league titles.
 before guiding Napoli to two Italian league titles,
World Cup win.
 most notably leading Argentina to World Cup glory 
1986.
most notably leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.
Yes.
"The name of Maradona will always be a heavy burden on Messi's shoulders,"