Diego Maradona says Lionel Messi has what it takes to single-handedly take Argentina to World Cup glory - just like he did in 1986.

Messi has yet to score in South Africa, despite dazzling in Argentina's group games and living up to his status as the best player on the planet, with 20 shots at goal - more than any other player in the tournament.

But Argentina coach Maradona, whose side take on Mexico tonight for a place in the finals, believes Messi is ready to explode in South Africa and when he does, he will lead his country to the ultimate prize.

Maradona made the World Cup his own in 1986, finding the net against England with his infamous Hand of God goal, before scoring one of the greatest individual goals of all-time in Argentina’s 2-1 quarter-final win.

Inspired by Maradona, Argentina went all the way to lift the trophy that year and Messi can do the same, according to his national boss. “I think Leo’s there,” said Maradona. “I believe he’s broken the mould and is ready. Leo is ready to go on to the pitch and leave this tournament with the World Cup.”

Mexico skipper Rafael Marquez knows that the only hope he and his team-mates have of causing a major upset and knocking out two-time winners Argentina is by stopping his Barcelona team-mate Messi from wreaking havoc on the pitch.

“Of course I know Leo pretty well,” said Marquez. “He’s tough to play against and is a hard player to stop. We have to try to close down the space in which he operates, as it’s difficult to get the ball off him if you let him run at you. He’s the best player in the world. He’s very gifted on the ball and he can change the rhythm of a game at will.

“We have to close down the space and cut off the supply so he gets to see less of the ball. We’re hoping to turn in the perfect match. It’s Argentina. But so what?

“Defensively they’re not that great, even if they have one of the best attacks. We’ll look to do as much damage as possible and take advantage of the weaknesses they have. We will look to get the ball.

“Argentina are a good team, but we also play a good game and we have a lot of talent in our ranks.”

Mexico goalkeeper Oscar Perez backed his skipper’s rallying call. “I don’t have the slightest doubt we’ll go out there and give our all, so that this pessimism dissipates and people believe in us,” said Perez.

“We’ll be looking to get the ball off them and try to attack them when we can. Against Uruguay, we had little space, but this time things will be different.”

Despite Mexico’s positive attitude, Argentina go into tonight’s encounter as overwhelming favourites having won all three of their group matches, conceding just one goal in the process.

Argentina and Newcastle defender Jonas Gutierrez said Maradona’s men could not be more confident going into the clash at Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium - venue for the July 11 final.

“The group phase couldn’t have gone better for us,” said Gutierrez. “We won all three of our matches and almost everyone got a game. That makes us all feel wanted and part of the team. But that’s in the past now and we need to start thinking about what’s coming up.”