Argentine international friendly against Puerto Rico has been confirmed as redirected from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. Now the game will be played on the 14th of October at Chase Stadium, which is a day later than originally planned.
The Associated Press reports that the move away from Soldier Field — the home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears — was due to an ongoing immigration crackdown in Chicago or low ticket sales, depending on the article. Issues cited by Argentina Football Association was security and logistical reasons while Luca Serra, Chicago Park District spokesperson said that the “decision was made due to low ticket sales”.
The match is scheduled to be played at 9 p.m. ET, just 72 hours after Inter Miami will play Atlanta United at the same stadium. Earlier, Argentina managed to beat Venezuela 1–0 at Hard Rock Stadium with the help of a Giovani Lo Celso goal.
Lionel Messi who missed the game against Venezuela due to precaution is still a question mark for the Puerto Rico match.
The relocation is in line with the events of the political tensions that have risen lately as U.S. President Donald Trump is intensifying his immigration crackdowns in a number of cities.
Nevertheless, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani did not give much credit to Trump’s saying about moving 2026 World Cup matches and thus reaffirmed FIFA’s authority over host cities.
