Argentina surprised many pundits in South Africa by finishing top of Group B with maximum points ahead of Korea Republic, Greece and Nigeria.
And with Javier Aguirre's side up next on Sunday, after they came second behind Uruguay in Group A, Maradona claims his men are peaking at just the right time.
"We know the match is going to be tough but with the team we have and the players we have we can move forward," said Maradona.
"The present situation is great because we've fulfilled our duty to win the first matches and from here on we start building physically and mentally for the next step.
"Mexico are a team who you need to respect, and we are going to do that. But they should also respect us and our history."
Maradona did however look to play down Argentina's chances of winning the entire competition, admitting that not much had changed from the side that struggled in qualification.
"I keep on saying the others are the favourites. We're here to fight. We're in good shape, although of course there's always a few small things to solve within the squad," added Maradona.
"People were saying we were a disaster, we were the worst team they've ever seen, and now they are saying we are an excellent team, that this team is great on the pitch.
"We have the same players as before, so you shouldn't believe what everyone says, just go on working the same way you have been working with the same ideas."
