The British and Irish Lions suffered their first ever defeat to Argentina, falling 28-24 in Dublin on Friday night in their final warm-up match before departing for Australia.
The historic loss at a sold-out Aviva Stadium marked the first time in eight meetings that the Pumas have beaten the Lions.
Andy Farrell's side struggled with accuracy despite showing attacking ambition, trailing 21-10 at half-time against an understrength Argentina team missing several top players due to the fixture falling outside the Test window.
It was the Lions' first defeat in a tour opener since 1971.
Argentina claimed a famous victory over the British and Irish Lions
Reuters
Argentina struck first through Ignacio Mendy's early dart over the line, capitalising on defensive lapses that included Duhan van der Merwe's positioning error.
Bundee Aki responded for the Lions in the 19th minute, powering through Argentine defenders after sustained pressure.
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Fly-half Tomas Albornoz extended the Pumas' advantage with two penalties before completing a clinical finish just before the interval.
The score came after the Lions failed to secure possession at a ruck, allowing Juan Martin Gonzalez to set up Albornoz for Argentina's second try.
The 21-10 half-time scoreline reflected Argentina's enterprise and counter-attacking threat against a Lions side guilty of overplaying.
The Lions emerged with renewed purpose after the break, earning a penalty try through their dominant scrum that also saw Argentina's Mayco Vivas yellow-carded.
Tadhg Beirne then crashed over following Sione Tuipulotu's powerful run and improved distribution from Fin Smith.
However, Santiago Cordero delivered the decisive blow in the 59th minute, finishing a devastating counter-attack after Van der Merwe dropped a high ball.
The wing's pace proved too much for the scrambling Lions defence, restoring Argentina's advantage at 28-24.
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Santiago Cordero's 59th-minute try turned out to be the winning moment for Argentina after a sensational counter-attack
Reuters
Despite dominating the final stages, the Lions could not breach Argentina's determined defence to avoid the historic defeat.
The Lions' scrum proved their most effective weapon, with props Ellis Genge and Finlay Bealham dominating Argentina's front row throughout.
However, their lineout requires immediate attention before facing Western Force next Saturday.
Fin Smith emerged as a standout performer, suggesting serious competition for Finn Russell at fly-half, whilst Tommy Freeman impressed early on the wing.
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Bundee Aki's brilliant try in the first half was arguably the Lions' best moment
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Marcus Smith also demonstrated alertness in defence, notably dealing with a threatening Argentine grubber kick.
The defeat serves as an early reality check for Farrell's squad, who displayed willing attacking intent but lacked the precision required at Test level.
The Lions depart for Australia on Saturday, with their opening tour match scheduled for 28 June.
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