\n
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – Lionel Messi had two assists and was the catalyst for another point as reigning World Cup champion Argentina defeated Puerto Rico 6-0 in a rescheduled international friendly on Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
The fight was originally scheduled to take place in Chicago on Monday before promoters moved the fight last week. Chicago officials blamed weak ticket sales. Officials with the Argentine soccer federation blamed immigration crackdowns in Chicago.<\/p>\n
Playing on the field he calls home for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, Messi set up Gonzalo Montiel’s goal with a quick flick of a lob in the first half, before making a nifty backpass to set up Lautaro Martinez’s second goal of the night in the 83rd minute. <\/p>\n
Argentina scored twice from Alexis Mac Allister, but also benefited from an own goal midway through the second half.<\/p>\n
It was a unique match in many ways.<\/p>\n
The reasons behind this move were, at least in part, as follows. immigration crackdown<\/span> More than 1,000 people had been arrested in the Chicago area since last month. Tickets were available hours before the game for as low as $25, a rarity for anything Messi-related. The stadium was about half full at kickoff, but gradually filled up as the game progressed.<\/p>\nAlso, according to international governing body FIFA, the Argentina team, ranked 3rd in the world, played against the Puerto Rican team, ranked 155th in the world, and the teams included university players.<\/p>\n
Goalkeeper Sebastian Cutler saved Messi’s header early in the second half and stoned him again in the 74th minute with a 15-yard left-footed try, but Villanova is 1-1-2 this season and midfielder Noe Hernandez has scored three goals this season for DePaul.<\/p>\n
Puerto Rico almost scored in the eighth minute when Leandro Antonetti’s shot from outside the midfield stripe went over the head of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but he made a last-minute save in time.<\/p>\n
The match was part of Argentina’s preparations for the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 next year. The game took place on the same day as President Donald Trump’s speech. At least the second time<\/span> He threatened to move the World Cup matches.<\/p>\nHe said on Tuesday that the United States may cancel games scheduled to be held next year in a Boston suburb after suggesting parts of the city had been “taken over” by rioters. <\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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