BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A soccer match between Argentina and Puerto Rico originally scheduled for next week in Chicago has been moved to Florida following an immigration crackdown in the city, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The friendly was scheduled to be held at Soldier Field in Chicago on October 13, but will be moved to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the home stadium of Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.
An Argentine soccer federation official confirmed the move to The Associated Press, saying it was due to the situation in Chicago, where President Donald Trump is deploying the National Guard to quell protests. immigration crackdown. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not been made public.
More than 1,000 immigrants have been arrested since the immigration crackdown began in the Chicago area last month. The Trump administration has promised to deploy national guard troops Facilitating deportations is on the agenda.
Defending World Cup champion Argentina will face Venezuela in another friendly at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Friday.
Messi was called up to play in both games, 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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