A friendly soccer match between Argentina and Puerto Rico has been moved from Chicago to Florida. The game, which was set to take place on October 13 at Chicago’s Soldier Field, will now be held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. This smaller venue is home to Inter Miami CF, the club where Argentine star Lionel Messi plays.
The decision to relocate comes amid protests in Chicago tied to the ongoing U.S. immigration crackdown. These protests have caused concerns about holding the event safely. Recently, the Texas National Guard arrived in Chicago as part of efforts to address the unrest. Chicago has seen heightened tensions, with President Donald Trump calling for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to be jailed.
Ticketmaster has canceled the original event in Chicago and is offering refunds to ticket holders. Interest in the match had been strong, with many seats still available before the change was announced. Argentina is also scheduled to play against Venezuela nearby on October 10.
The Argentine Football Association has not made any official comment on the move. The shift highlights how off-field issues can impact sports events, especially when public safety is a concern. Fans planning to attend the match in Chicago will need to adjust their plans, while those in Florida now have a chance to see Argentina’s team, including Messi, in person.