Wales began the Steve Tandy era with a sobering defeat as Argentina stormed to a record 52-28 victory in Cardiff.
Tandy, the first Welshman to take charge of the men’s national side since 2007, was given a clear indication of the scale of his challenge, as the Pumas ran in seven tries in a dominant display.
Geronimo Prisciantelli scored twice, with Pedro Delgado, Simon Benitez Cruz, Mateo Carreras, Bautista Delguy, and Santiago Grondona also crossing the line.
The impeccable Santi Carreras added 17 points with the boot.
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For Wales, who had rallied to draw level at 14-14 after a dreadful opening ten minutes, there were tries from Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, and Blair Murray.
Dan Edwards kicked three conversions, with Jarrod Evans adding another.
There were a few positives for the hosts: captain Morgan was outstanding before leaving the field injured after scoring, and Louis Rees-Zammit impressed with his trademark pace on his return from an 18-month NFL stint.
However, Argentina were relentless in attack, piling on the points to surpass their previous biggest win over Wales, a 33-11 triumph in Cardiff in 2021.
Louis Rees-Zammit impressed with his trademark pace on his return from an 18-month NFL stint
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The Wales squad emerged from the traditional away dressing room at the Principality Stadium, with Tandy having opted to switch changing rooms.
The match followed a rare high point for Wales, who had ended an 18-match losing streak in Japan four months earlier.
Yet their Cardiff struggles continued, following nine straight home defeats and a 68-14 humiliation against England in March.
Argentina struck early, with prop Delgado powering over after just seven minutes, converted by Santi Carreras.
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Wales' Jac Morgan (right) leaves the field after getting injured scoring a try
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Soon after, Juan Martin Gonzalez pounced on a loose ball, and Mateo Carreras’ clever chip allowed Prisciantelli to claim his first Test try.
With another conversion, Argentina led 14-0 inside ten minutes.
Wales hit back 12 minutes later, as Tom Rogers sliced through midfield and fed the supporting Morgan, who sent Tomos Williams over for his 16th Test try.
Opting to run rather than take a penalty soon paid off again, with Williams setting up Lake to crash through Prisciantelli for a second Welsh score.
Wales' Blair Murray scores a try during the Quilter Nations Series match at Principality Stadium
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Edwards converted both, levelling the game at 14-14.
Momentum swung again when Ben Thomas was sent to the sin bin for kicking out at Pablo Matera after having his leg trapped, though a lack of contact spared him a red card.
Argentina made full use of the numerical advantage, with Santi Carreras landing a penalty and scrum-half Benitez Cruz darting over by the posts.
Almost immediately after the restart, Matera gathered the kick-off, sliced through two defenders, and kicked ahead for Mateo Carreras, who held off two tacklers to score.
Wales' Jac Morgan with his arm in a sling after the Quilter Nations Series match
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Another Carreras conversion made it 31-14 at the break.
Argentina’s dominance continued after the interval, as Delguy added another try.
Wales’ woes deepened when Williams was sin-binned for a late off-the-ball challenge.
Morgan’s quick tap penalty produced a third Welsh try, though it was his final contribution, he left the field with his arm in a sling.
Prisciantelli then intercepted a Thomas pass for his second try, and while Murray crossed for a late Welsh consolation, Grondona’s closing try sealed an emphatic and record-breaking Argentine victory.
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