A high-profile soccer friendly between Argentina and Puerto Rico has been relocated from Chicago to Florida as the city grapples with an ongoing immigration crackdown, according to a person familiar with the decision.
The match, originally set for October 13 at Soldier Field, will now take place at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale — home to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami team. An executive with the Argentine Football Association confirmed the change to the Associated Press, citing security concerns related to the situation in Chicago, where President Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard to respond to widespread protests against immigration raids. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as the relocation had not yet been publicly announced.
Over 1,000 immigrants have been arrested in the Chicago area since the Trump administration launched its latest enforcement campaign last month. The deployment of National Guard troops is part of a broader push to accelerate deportations and crack down on sanctuary cities, triggering demonstrations across the region.
Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, are in the U.S. for a pair of friendlies as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Their first match will be against Venezuela at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, followed by the rescheduled Puerto Rico game in Fort Lauderdale.
Lionel Messi has been called up to play in both fixtures, drawing significant attention from fans eager to see the global superstar in action on American soil.