I assume those who dismiss Messi for not having done enough in a World Cup, put Cristiano Ronaldo behind him on their all time list, given that Messi scored 4 goals in the group stages in 2014 and lead them to the Final winning player of the Tournament? Ronaldo on the other hand scored 4 goals in the group stages this World Cup and his team were knocked out in the last 16. He has never played in the World Cup Final so can't be ahead of Messi, if using this line of argument.
Similarly, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele along with every player on these lists must surely be discounted as they also have played their careers surrounded by the World's best which is an argument used to write Messi off? Pele played for an International side that won 3 World Cups, with the famous Carlos Alberto goal being arguably the best team goal of all time. Pele wouldn't have won all he had if he wasn't in such a good team...Cristiano Ronaldo has played in a team that has won 3 of the last 4 CL's. So therefore his ability has only been helped by playing surrounded by such good players surely?
I don't think these types of arguments carry much weight. You have to judge the player themselves with individual, and to an extent team achievements factored in. The argument that he didn't step up when it was needed most is the worst argument i've heard yet though. He's done it every single season he's played the game or close to it.