Buenos Aires, Oct 9 (AP)
A significant change has been announced regarding the upcoming soccer match between Argentina and Puerto Rico.
Initially scheduled for next week in Chicago, the game has been relocated to Florida amid recent immigration crackdown activities in the city.
Chicago Park District spokesperson Luca Serra confirmed the change on Wednesday to The Associated Press, noting the match will no longer take place in Chicago.
The friendly was initially set for October 13 at Chicago's Soldier Field.
Instead, it will now be held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the home field for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
Serra stated, "Yes, confirming that the Argentina against Puerto Rico match has been canceled in Chicago."
"The promoter made the decision this morning due to low ticket sales," he added. No official statement has been released by the promoter.
An executive from the Argentine Football Association also confirmed the relocation to AP, attributing it to the current situation in Chicago.
This situation involves President Donald Trump deploying the National Guard to address protests against the immigration crackdown.
The executive preferred to remain anonymous as the change had not yet been officially announced.
As part of the immigration crackdown, over 1,000 immigrants have been arrested in the Chicago area since last month.
The Trump administration continues to push its agenda of deploying National Guard troops to increase deportations.
In addition to this match, Argentina, the current World Cup champions, is set to compete against Venezuela in a friendly on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Both matches, including the now-relocated game, are part of Argentina's preparations for the World Cup scheduled for next year.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
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