BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A soccer match between Argentina and Puerto Rico, originally scheduled for next week in Chicago, has been moved to Florida amid the city’s immigration crackdown, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The friendly match was scheduled to be played on October 13 at Soldier Field in Chicago, but will be moved to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the home stadium of Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.
An official with the Argentine Football Federation confirmed the decision to the AP and said it was because of the situation in Chicago, where President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to quell protests against the immigration crackdown. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced publicly.
More than 1,000 immigrants have been arrested since an immigration crackdown began last month in the Chicago area. The Trump administration has committed to deploying National Guard troops in its program to stimulate evictions.
Defending World Cup champions Argentina will face Venezuela in another friendly Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Messi has been called up to play both matches, which are part of Argentina’s preparations for next year’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
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