The Liverpool midfielder helped his country to a 1-0 win against Scotland at Hampden Park on Wednesday night as the new era under Maradona began smoothly.

Former West Ham player Mascherano had already forced Allan McGregor into a diving save from a 25-yard volley when Argentina took the lead in the eighth minute.

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 some 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.

"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 greeted with a hug from Maradona as they left the park following the morale-boosting display, which followed last month's World Cup qualifying defeat to Chile.

"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.

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