Paterson, starting at full-back, scored all Scotland’s points at the Gigante de Arroyito stadium in Rosario to go four clear of Gavin Hastings as his country’s all-time record holder.

By playing, he also equalled Scott Murray’s record of 87 caps, but his efforts were not enough to subdue a Pumas side playing their first international since finishing third at the World Cup.

Paterson opened the scoring after five minutes with a penalty after a high tackle on hooker Ross Ford.

The Pumas responded well but were repelled a number of times until fly-half Federico Todeschini landed a penalty - and debutant hooker followed up with a try after 21 minutes.

Todeschini added the conversion, but Paterson reduced the arrears with two more penalties soon afterwards.

Paterson had the chance to put the Scots in front in the final minute of the first half but failed to hit target – a rare miss from the Gloucester man.

Todeschini similarly missed for the hosts, and Paterson then gave the Scots the lead with another penalty early in the second half.

He added another to surpass Hastings, but Argentina almost responded immediately with a try - only for full-back Bernardo Stortoni was denied by the video referee.

They instead had to settle for another Todeschini penalty on the hour.

Scotland managed to cling on to their slender lead until Todeschini kicked over another penalty with just three minutes remaining.

The Pumas made sure of the win in injury time as Gonzalo Tiesi found room and raced over for a second home try.

Todeschini failed to convert, but there was no time for Scotland to respond.

Victory maintained Argentina’s recent stranglehold over Scotland, having won their last seven meetings. They face each other again in Buenos Aires next Saturday.