There has been an ongoing debate for years over who is the greatest footballer of all time, with Messi entering that chat over the past few years.
Cannavaro, who is recognised as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, feels no one should be compared to Maradona.
"I respect Messi a lot," Cannavaro told Sky Sports.
"For the new generation he is one of the best.
"But Maradona is different because the football was different. They kicked him a lot but he was always in control and he was tough.
"Messi is top but Maradona is another world. I never compare him with other players. I never saw Pele but I watched Maradona, for seven years I saw every game.
"He's not one of the best, he's the best."