Argentina superstar Lionel Messi will not face Scotland at Hampden when the nations meet for a November friendly.
Barcelona have successfully lobbied for Messi to be rested, having reluctantly released him for the Olympics.
The SFA had agreed a deal for Argentina's full squad to come to Glasgow on 19 November but the visitors have decided to withdraw Messi.
"After negotiations with Barca, we have come to the conclusion we must take care of Messi," said an AFA spokesman.
"So that means he is excused for the friendly matches against Scotland in November and France in February. It is common sense.
"However, Messi is the only Argentina player who will be given permission not to play."
After arranging the glamorous fixture, Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith insisted he knew nothing of of such a deal.
"There cannot be an arrangement in place that Messi is not allowed to play for Argentina," Smith said.
"There could be a gentleman's agreement that we don't know about."
Argentina will visit Scotland for the first time in 18 years when they come to Hampden Park.
The SFA says it negotiated hard with its counterparts to make sure Scottish fans were given value for money.
"The insistence was that Argentina would bring their best-available squad," said Smith.
"Even if Lionel Messi is not here then they will be a very strong unit."
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