Javier Mascherano has described skippering Argentina to victory in their first match under the leadership of Diego Maradona as an "amazing" experience.
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.
Mascherano said: "I couldn't believe it was true, I'm very happy with my first game. It was a new experience and I'm really happy with the win."
He added: "It was an amazing experience. I'm not just thinking about being captain, I'm thinking about the team."
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.
"We came back with a win," Mascherano said. "We need to improve but it's good to start to the new era."
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."
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