On October 13th, Lionel Messi and the Argentine national soccer team, La Albiceleste, were scheduled to play a friendly match against Puerto Rico at Soldier Field in Chicago. However, a recent announcement confirmed that the match has been relocated to Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, the home ground of Inter Miami, where Messi plays.
The Argentine squad arrived in Miami two days prior to the match and played their first friendly against Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on October 10th. This proximity allowed for a logistical shift to Chase Stadium for the second friendly, effectively simplifying travel for the team.
According to reports from MIR97 Media and the Associated Press, the decision to move the match was influenced by the ongoing protests in Chicago concerning President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which have led to the deployment of the National Guard in the area. However, other sources suggest that the primary motivation for the move was commercial. Ticket sales for the Chicago venue had been sluggish, with many seats remaining unsold just before the relocation was announced.
Despite the threat of protests, which some speculated might deter fans from attending, Chicago has hosted numerous events without any significant disruptions. For example, the Chicago Cubs recently held a Division Series game at Wrigley Field, and the Chicago Fire concluded their home season matches in front of thousands of fans. Major events, like the Chicago Marathon, which is expected to attract over 50,000 participants, are also set to proceed as planned, instilling confidence in the city’s ability to host large gatherings.
The Argentine Football Association’s mention of protests might also stem from concerns related to contract obligations for the event at Soldier Field. Contracts for sporting events typically include force majeure clauses that allow cancellation without penalty due to civil disturbances, potentially benefiting the organizers financially in the aftermath of the venue’s change.
While the relocation of the match raises questions about the initial decision to host it in Chicago, it ultimately provides an opportunity for fans in Florida to witness Messi and La Albiceleste in action without the previously existing barriers. The change also allows better access for local supporters, fostering a sense of community around the sport in a region enthusiastic about soccer, particularly with Messi now playing for Inter Miami.