Ayala made 115 appearances during his time with the Argentina national team and was the nation's most-capped player until 2007, when his record was broken by Javier Zanetti.
The start of his international career coincided with the latter years of Maradona's reign on the global stage and, conversely, drew to a close soon after Messi's emergence.
Ayala has now drawn from his experience of playing alongside two of the greatest players in Argentina's history, and shared his thoughts on what sets them apart.
"They are two footballing giants, and when he retires, Messi will be remembered. I don't know if it'll be like Diego [but] it doesn't matter.
"They are different. Diego was pure art in all his mannerisms, Messi a 'Speedy Gonzalez' who carries the ball two centimetres from his foot."
Messi's failure so far to follow in Maradona's footsteps in guiding Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory has often been held against him, but Ayala hopes to see the 32-year-old continue to lead the national team into the future.
"I hope that he gives us his footballing level, that he makes us grow as a team," the former Valencia star added.
"Having a team with him, not of him. He wants to be treated like this, like just one more player. We told the players that he will not be treated differently by us.
"You all have to step up, do what you do for your clubs, and he will help you. You have to take advantage of that."