Gregor Townsend’s side failed to cross the Argentine 22 once in a dismal first-half that left them chasing an 18-6 deficit after conceding tries to Jerónimo De La Fuente and Santiago Carreras.
Scotland rallied after the break, with two tries in four minutes from Mark Bennett and Rory Hutchinson bringing them back level with thoughts turning to a comeback victory.
However, straight from kick-off, Scotland switched off and allowed Argentina to restore their lead instantly through a try from Gonzalo Bertranou.
A penalty conversion from Emiliano Boffelli put Los Pumas eight points ahead with 10 minutes left and Scotland were unable to reply as they suffered defeat in Argentina for the first time since 2008.
Here is how the Scotland players rated out of 10:
9. Ali Price - 6
Tried to spark the Scotland attack but it just never happened in the first half. Replaced by Ben White for final ten minutes. 6 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
10. Blair Kinghorn - 5
A disappointing first 40 but the stand-off created both Scotland’s tries in the second period. Unlucky to be penalised for a forward pass, leading to a Sam Johnson score being chalked off. 5 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
11. Duhan van der Merwe - 5
Thought he had scored early in the second half but was adjudged to have knocked on. Pressed into some desperate defending and never really got into his attacking stride. 5 Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
12. Sam Johnson - 6
Had try chalked off for forward pass and was powerless to stop Argentina’s decisive third try. 6 Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group / SRU