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Trump decision impacts Lionel Messi and Argentina plans in Chicago

The Albiceleste team has a warm-up match scheduled at Soldier Field against Puerto Rico, but there are problems.

Messi y Argentina tienen programado un partido de preparación en el Soldier Field frente a Puerto Rico, pero la venta de entradas va totalmente baja.
JUAN MABROMATA
Diego Mayel Ibarra
Estados Unidos Update:

Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team are already focused on their mission to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in North America, where they’ll defend the title won in Qatar in 2022. For the October FIFA window, after finishing first in the South American qualifiers, La Albiceleste are set to face Venezuela and Puerto Rico in the United States – though the latter fixture has run into unexpected trouble.

The friendly against Puerto Rico is still officially scheduled for Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, but the world champions have encountered an unusual situation: ticket sales are remarkably low just five days before kickoff, and there’s little sign of improvement.

The stadium, which holds 61,500 spectators, shows entire sections still available on Ticketmaster. Seats range from $83.95 for general admission to $478 for premium spots behind the benches and in the lower first tier.

Protests add to Argentina’s problems in Chicago

A major factor complicating matters is the wave of intense protests sweeping through Chicago, driven by Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies. Local residents have denounced abuses by ICE agents, while demonstrations have escalated amid allegations of excessive use of force.

Argentina look toward Miami instead

According to journalist Gastón Edul of TyC Sports, Argentina’s match against Puerto Rico will be moved from Chicago to Miami. The reporter says the change is essentially confirmed, with one leading option being Chase Stadium, home of Inter Miami.

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If that happens, Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will spend a full week training in South Florida ahead of the friendly against Venezuela on Friday, October 10, at Hard Rock Stadium, and would remain there for the Puerto Rico game. Conveniently, Inter Miami host Atlanta United at the same venue on Saturday, October 11, meaning the world champions would barely need to leave their home base.

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