The tournament favourites outplayed their African counterparts and won the game courtesy of Gabriel Batistuta's superb header.
But they now face an anxious wait to see if skipper Roberto Ayala, who hurt himself before the match, will be fit for their next game - against England on Friday.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa said: "He felt a pain as he was warming up and with the difficulty
he was feeling, it was advisable to withdraw him as a precaution."
However, Argentina coped well without him and Veron was clearly delighted to get off to a winning start.
"We're very happy to have achieved an important victory over tough rivals," he said.
"It was a hard match we dominated for most of the 90 minutes and had lots of chances to score but it was very
"What was important was the team. This is a very difficult
group with great teams and great players and we were able to show
the world what we are worth as a team."
Asked if this victory made Argentina stronger favourites to
win the Cup, he said: "No, there are six more games."
"Now we have to play England, which is going to be a very tough
"I'm sure England will be ready. They have speed, they have good players and
whatever the result it will be close.
"The history between the two countries is