After their talismanic No.10 dispatched a penalty to follow up a barely believable assist for Nahuel Molina in the first 45 minutes, the Albiceleste looked home and hosed late in the second half.
However, the game changed course when Dutch substitute Wout Weghorst entered the action and quickly headed home what appeared to be a consolation goal.
Argentina simply couldn’t handle the former Burnley striker’s physicality, and he forced extra time by poking a finish home in the final minute of added time after a brilliant free-kick routine.
However, the Netherlands’ misery was only postponed as Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved two penalties and sent Argentina to the quarterfinals.
They will now face Croatia rather than old rivals Brazil, after Zlatko Dalic’s side shocked everyone by winning in a shootout earlier in the day.