Senegal rejected a proposed friendly against Argentina national football team during the March international break, despite a recent approach from the Argentine Football Association. The offer, which would have brought a clash with Lionel Messi, was declined as Senegal chose to honor its existing fixture against Gambia national football team.

Argentina had approached Senegal to fill a gap in their friendly schedule following the cancellation of the Finalissima. The proposed match was scheduled for March 31. However, Senegal had already confirmed a fixture against Gambia for the same date.

The federation made its position clear.

“We cannot do that to our sister nation Gambia… we will keep our match with them.”

Senegal’s international window begins with Peru national football team on March 28. It then moves to Gambia on March 31, followed by a match against the United States men’s national soccer team on May 31.

As part of that schedule, Senegal will present the Africa Cup of Nations trophy to fans before the Peru match. The presentation goes ahead despite CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON title.

The Argentina fixture would have taken place in Dakar at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade. Instead, Senegal will proceed with its scheduled match against Gambia on that date.

In the end, Senegal chose to honor their agreement with Gambia over the hype of facing the reigning world champions.