Frankfurt: Teenager Lionel Messi was handed his first World Cup start when Argentina coach Jose Pekerman selected him for the Group C decider against Netherlands on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old Barcelona forward, who made an instant impact when he came on as a substitute to score in the 6-0 thrashing of Serbia & Montenegro, will partner Carlos Tevez up front.
Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola, who played in attack in Argentina's first two matches, were not risked as they are each carrying one yellow card.
Captain Juan Pablo Sorin was rested, with Leandro Cufre coming into the back four for his first game of the tournament.
The Dutch, like Argentina assured a place in the last 16, made five changes, with coach Marco van Basten also choosing to protect players on yellow cards.
In came defenders Kew Jaliens, Khalid Boulahrouz and Tim de Cler, midfielder Rafael van der Vaart and striker Dirk Kuijt.
Arjen Robben, Mark van Bommel, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Joris Mathijsen and Johnny Heitinga start on the bench.
Argentina will top the group and face Mexico in the second round if they avoid defeat.
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