Lionel Messi faces sudden change in US tour as Argentina vs. Puerto Rico moved from Chicago

Lionel Messi was anticipated to make his look in Chicago to face Puerto Rico at Soldier Area subsequent Monday, October 13, throughout Argentina’s US tour for the October worldwide break. Nonetheless, plans have modified, because the venue has now been moved out of the state of Illinois.

Following Inter Miami’s MLS match towards the New England Revolution, Messi didn’t must journey far, because the Argentina nationwide crew has been utilizing Inter Miami’s services for coaching. Preparation gave the impression to be on observe for Friday’s pleasant towards Venezuela at Onerous Rock Stadium, earlier than touring to Chicago to face Puerto Rico — till a call was made to relocate the match.

Attributable to latest social unrest and ongoing protests within the metropolis, authorities have determined to maneuver the sport between Argentina and Puerto Rico out of Chicago. This comes after President Donald Trump’s deployment of the Nationwide Guard to a number of US cities, together with Chicago.

An official announcement confirming the change continues to be pending, however the creating scenario has compelled organizers to cancel the Chicago venue. Each the Argentine and Puerto Rican soccer associations stay dedicated to holding the sport on the identical date and with the identical opponent, leaving solely the host stadium but to be decided.

Chicago Fireplace FC and Inter Miami CF at Soldier Area.

Chase Stadium emerges because the most certainly alternative

Argentina’s nationwide crew has already accomplished its second day of coaching at Inter Miami’s services. Provided that a number of gamers have been in motion over the weekend, periods have been lighter, although each matches towards Venezuela and Puerto Rico stay key within the crew’s World Cup preparations. Discovering a brand new venue for the second pleasant is due to this fact a high precedence.

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In response to Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, Miami is the main candidate to host the relocated match, with Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium being the most certainly venue. The stadium is already set to host Friday’s pleasant towards Venezuela, and with no journey required, it could be a strategic possibility for Lionel Scaloni’s squad.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni emphasised the significance of those video games in shaping the crew forward of the 2026 World Cup. “It’s a must to come. I’m the coach — the gamers are resting, waiting for what’s coming. We’re going to attempt to see some new gamers, individuals we’ve introduced in to see if they will get on board. We’ve got to make the most of these matches to judge them,” to the press in an occasion in Miami on Tuesday.