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:
13. Mark Bennett - 6
Scored a fine try on his first Scotland start in six years and should keep the jersey for next week. 6 Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group / SRU
14. Darcy Graham - 5
Quiet game for the winger who saw little of the ball. 5 Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
15. Rory Hutchinson - 7
Stepped in as first receiver to help create Scotland’s first try and then scored the second himself. Impressive showing in an unaccustomed full-back role. 7 Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
16. Replacements
Townsend replaced his entire front row with 20 minutes remaining and Ewan Ashman (pictured), Rory Sutherland and Javan Sebastian will all benefit from Test minutes. There were also outings for lock Sam Skinner, scrum-half Ben White and centre Sione Tuipulotu. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group