Argentina face Uruguay in a River Plate classic at the iconic Centenario on Wednesday in their final 2010 qualifier looking to get at least the draw that will send them to the South Africa finals.
Uruguay, who are a point behind, must win to snatch that berth and consign Maradona's team to a playoff or even elimination from the World Cup for the first time since 1970 if Ecuador beat qualified Chile in Santiago.
"Argentina is very tough for us. The power of the team comes from the players," Tabarez said.
"And no-one can argue (against), nor doubt the ability and quality of the Argentine players," he told a news conference.
Maradona's Argentina, who have done little tactical work ahead of matches and have been subject to his selection whims, look good in flashes going forward but lack a recognisable shape.
Messi's struggles to reproduce his Barcelona form for Argentina are the subject of constant debate in Buenos Aires with critics saying he should be dropped.
"Always with a zero in your goal you're closer to victory than the other way round," he told Reuters.
Tabarez's Uruguayans, who played poorly in a 1-0 loss to Peru in Lima last month, have fought their way back into contention with wins over Colombia and Ecuador.
They looked good on the break in both matches having fallen behind, but they are obliged to take the game to Argentina on Wednesday, which ought to suit Maradona's team.
Midfielder Maxi Pereira believes Uruguay also have the quality to damage Argentina. He said: "Given the players we have we can hurt them, it's not going to be a defensive game."
The top four in South America, with Brazil, Paraguay and Chile already through, qualify for the finals while the fifth meets the CONCACAF's fourth-placed team in a two-leg playoff for one more berth.
