A football friendly between Argentina and Puerto Rico has been moved from Chicago to Florida due to the immigration crackdown in the city, according to an Argentine Football Association executive.
The match was supposed 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.
An Argentine Football Association executive told the Associated Press the match had to be moved because of the situation in Chicago, where US president Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard to quell protests.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the relocation had not been publicly announced.
The game has been moved away from Soldier Field to the Inter Miami home of Lionel Messi. (AP: Kamil Krzaczynski)
More than 1,000 immigrants have been arrested since the crackdown began last month.
The Trump administration vowed to deploy National Guard troops as part of its push to boost deportations.
Argentina, the defending World Cup champion, will play Venezuela in another friendly match on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Messi has been called up to play in both matches, which are part of Argentina’s preparations for next year’s World Cup.
The cup will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
AP