Licha was introduced by Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni in the 59th minute, replacing Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero.
However, the competitive United star's team-mates were already behind by that stage, due to quickfire strikes from Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari.
Argentina took the lead after just 10 minutes, thanks to a cool Lionel Messi penalty, and the Copa America holders should have been further ahead by half-time.
On three separate occasions, they had further goals ruled out due to offside decisions, as smart finishes from Messi and Internazionale's Lautaro Martinez (two) went unrewarded.
Still, at the interval, the two-time world champions looked destined to start their campaign with a straightforward victory.