Lionel Messi marked his first match as Argentina captain with a win as it beat an ultra defensive Greece side 2-0 and cruised into the World Cup second round as Group B winner putting the Greeks out Tuesday. Argentina broke Greece's resistance 13 minutes from time through center back Martin Demichelis who blasted the ball into the net after his header from a corner was partially blocked. Messi made the second goal for Martin Palermo who tucked away the rebound in the 89th minute after his skipper dribbled into the area and saw his shot parried by Alexandros Tzorvas. Argentina completed its third successive victory to finish top of the group with a maximum nine points and will play Mexico at Johannesburg's Soccer City in the second round Sunday. South Korea, which drew 2-2 with Nigeria in the other group game in Durban, will play Uruguay Saturday in Port Elizabeth. It finished on four points ahead of 2004 European champion Greece with three and and the Nigerians with just one. Argentina coach Diego Maradona, who made seven changes to the side that trounced South Korea five days ago including resting usual captain Javier Mascherano, as usual danced with delight at the end of the match in celebration. Before making the second goal Messi, who became Argentina's youngest World Cup captain two days short of his 23rd birthday, had two efforts tipped away by Tzorvas who had a busy night. Messi was kept in tight check by the man-marking of Socratis Papastathopoulos, and was rarely able to show off his skills. Greece forward Giorgos Samaras had a good chance early in the second half on the left of the box but was wide of the far post with their first shot at goal after a sterile first half. After almost 20 minutes of midfield sparring from the kickoff, a deep pass from Juan Sebastian Veron sent Aguero through and his shot from the left was saved by Tzorvas. The corner was cleared to Veron who shot from 30m with the keeper again alert enough to tipp the ball over the bar. Just past the half-hour, Aguero was close again when he met a right-wing cross but his shot was blocked by Loukas Vyntra. Sergio Romero had to fist away a free kick from Greece captain Giorgos Karagounis then Tzorvas had to save sharply again from Maxi Rodriguez and Messi, with his first effort of the match, just before halftime. It was left to Demichelis to put Argentina ahead with his late strike but Messi was to play a big part in their second when he fizzed a shot goalwards from the edge of the area and Palermo was on hand to convert the rebound and seal victory. Now Argentina must prepare for a clash with Mexicot.
