POLOKWANE, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi will become captain of Argentina for the first time when Diego Maradona's side play Greece in their World Cup match on Tuesay.

It was reported that Maradona has decided to give the skipper's armband to the Barcelona striker two days before his 23rd birthday, Argentina's La Nacion daily reported Monday.

Midfielder Javier Mascherano, the former captain, will be rested.

Lionel Messi of Argentina (C) fights for the ball with Lukman Haruna during their group B first round match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 12, 2010.