The upcoming friendly match between Argentina and Puerto Rico, originally scheduled to take place next week in Chicago, has been moved to Florida amid an ongoing immigration crackdown in the city.
Luca Serra, a spokesperson for the Chicago Park District, confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the match will no longer be held in Chicago.
The game was initially set for October 13 at Soldier Field, but it will now be played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the home venue of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.
“Yes, I can confirm that the Argentina vs. Puerto Rico match in Chicago has been canceled,” Serra said. “The promoter decided this morning to relocate the match due to low ticket sales.”
The promoter has not yet released an official statement regarding the change.
An Argentine Football Association official also confirmed the relocation to the AP, citing the situation in Chicago, where President Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard to suppress protests against the immigration crackdown. The official requested anonymity, as the move had not been formally announced.
Since the crackdown began last month, more than 1,000 immigrants have been arrested in the Chicago area. The Trump administration has pledged to use National Guard troops as part of its broader effort to increase deportations.
