MSP 430 vs FPGA

This is a very vague, and meaningless question.  High end has a very broad and non-specific meaning, therefore there is no single list of what advantages one device has over the other.  Each device has advantages over the other depending on the type of application.  When you understand the requirements of the application, and you know what each device has to offer as far as capabilities, then it becomes obvious which device's capabilities will best serve these application requirements.

Well, FPGAs are usually made for hardware flexibility on high-end applications at the expense of high current consumption and complex handling.
MSPs are made for ultra-low current consumption and easy usage at the expense of limited computation power and flexibility (fixed hardware modules which offer much flexibility but maybe not the final bit of optimization for youe specific project).

The choice is yours.

beyond that, the question is of the 'I want to go. Should I go left or right?' type.

amj said:

any advantages of FPGA over MSP430 for high end applications?

Speed, raw computational power, I/Os, the ability to warm your hands with them.

On the other side, if you find any FPGAs you can get your hands on for $0.25, I'll take a truckload :)

Any more detail or is this a homework question? ;)