Captaining Argentina was 'amazing' - Javier Mascherano

Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez finished off a superb passing move as Maradona's men began in dominant fashion.

The South Americans failed to maintain their electric start and Scotland created half-chances but the visitors were well worthy of their controlled win.

It was an emotional occasion for Mascherano, who wore the armband for the first time since Maradona visited him at Liverpool's training ground to offer him the role.

The 24-year-old took over from veteran Javier Zanetti, who also played at Hampden on Wednesday night.

"I couldn't believe it was true," Mascherano said of Maradona's offer. "I'm very happy with my first game. It was a new experience and I'm really happy with the win. It was an amazing experience. I'm not just thinking about being captain, I'm thinking about the team."

Each player was hugged by Maradona - who guaranteed Mascherano his place - as they left the park after the morale-boosting display, which followed last month's World Cup qualifying defeat to Chile.

Maradona said: "Taking Mascherano aside, nobody has a place secured in my team. It doesn't matter what his name is."

Mascherano added: "We came back with a win," Mascherano said. "We need to improve but it's good to start to the new era. We will try to continue to improve and see what happens."

While Mascherano is revelling in his role as national team captain, he admits the same honour at club level is "impossible" given the esteem Anfield skipper in which Steven Gerrard and his fellow Liverpudlian Jamie Carragher are held.

Reports in Italy yesterday claimed Mascherano's agent has told Lazio that the player would be open to a move to the Serie A outfit in January.

However, Mascherano has dismissed the suggestion by underlining his determination to win silverware at Anfield.

"I just want to play for Liverpool and try to do as well as possible," he said.