BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A soccer match between Argentina and Puerto Rico originally scheduled for next week in Chicago has been moved to Florida because of the city’s immigration policies.
Chicago Park District spokesman Luca Serra confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the game will not be played in Chicago.
The friendly 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.
“Yes, this confirms that the match between Argentina and Puerto Rico in Chicago has been canceled,” Serra said. “The promoter made the decision this morning due to low ticket sales.”
No official statement has been released by the promoter.
A director of the Argentine Football Federation previously confirmed the move to the AP, saying it was the result of the situation in Chicago, where President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to quell protests against the Argentine Football Federation. suppression of immigration. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not been publicly announced.
More than 1,000 immigrants have been arrested since the immigration crackdown began in the Chicago area last month. The Trump administration promised to commit National Guard troops in his agenda to encourage deportations.
BecauseTruthIt still matters
Your supportFuelsOur mission
Your supportFuelsOur mission
Support HuffPost
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, will play another friendly match against Venezuela at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday.
Messi was called up to play in both matches, which are part of Argentina’s preparations for next year’s World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
