Lionel Messi is 'the new Diego Maradona' - as pictures from the Argentina's win over South Korea show.

Look familiar?: Lionel Messi, left, against South Korea at World Cup 2010 and Diego Maradona, right, against Belguim in the 1986 World Cup.

Mesmerising: Maradona had six Belguim players trying to stop in the semi-finals at the 1986 World Cup.

Both players have worn the number 10 shirt for Argentina and Barcelona and both have been recognised as the greatest players of their generation.

The iconic image of Maradona, now Argentina manager, facing Belgium in the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup, was replicated as Messi faced South Korea today.

Messi was captured in Argentina's 4-1 win against South Korea taking on five players, reminiscent of the famous photo of Maradona facing the Belgians.

Messi produced an impressive performance in Argentina's opening World Cup 2010 match where they beat Nigeria 1-0 in and he was unfortunate not to have been rewarded with a goal.

After the match Maradona ran out of superlatives in his praise of the 22 year-old's ability.

"I want Messi to be very close to the ball. As long as he has fun, then we are all going to have fun," Maradona said.

"Football wouldn't be beautiful unless Messi is touching the ball all the time. He performed magic today on the pitch."

Messi also failed to score against the Koreans today, but played his part as Maradona's side sealed a comfortable win and their spot at the top of Group B.

It was Gonzalo Higuaín's turn to shine as he scored the tournament's first hat-trick in the 4-1 win.