It says a lot? How so?
Scottie Pippen had career years in points when Jordan had retired.
When Gretzky isn't the one putting the puck in the net, it makes sense for Messier to get more points. He didn't play on the same line as Gretzky, so he wouldn't have benefitted from having Gretzky get points.
When you become the big dog, you're going to produce more offensively. It doesn't say "a lot." It says very little.
To state the the championship in New York was due exclusively to Messier is a bit silly. I mean, having MacTavish go 100% in faceoffs in the final game didn't mean anything.
And after all, Leetch was the MVP of Playoffs. How many Conn Smythe's did Messier win without Gretzky?
Furthermore, how easier was it to develop a talent like Messier when you have a guy that can put 200 points up in a season. Jeez, go watch some of the old games, since it's clear you haven't.
Messier was an excellent leader, but so was Gretzky.