When Lionel Andrés Messi, captain of the Argentina national football team and forward for Inter Miami CF supplied two assists at a 6‑0 rout, the crowd at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, erupted in cheers. The match, officially titled Argentina vs Puerto Rico International FriendlyChase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, had been shifted at the last minute from Chicago’s Soldier Field after a heated dispute over ticket sales and a parallel immigration crackdown.
Background: Ticket Troubles and Immigration Concerns
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA) announced the venue change. Sebastián Battaglia, AFA’s secretary‑general, blamed a federal immigration sweep led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that had already produced more than 1,000 arrests in Cook County since September 15. He said the operation created “unacceptable risks” for the Argentine delegation.
Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events pushed back. Spokesperson Carlos Mayoral argued that ticket sales had stalled at just 22,000 of the 61,500 seats available, which was “far below the threshold needed to justify a stadium of that size.” Both explanations held weight, and AFA ultimately shouldered the $2.8 million cost of moving the game to the much smaller Chase Stadium, a 21,000‑capacity arena owned by Inter Miami’s owners, David Beckham and Jorge Mas.
Match Details: Goals, Assists and Stats
The kickoff was at 8:00 PM ET. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring in the 27th minute, slipping past the Puerto Rican defense after a quick one‑two with Nicolás González. The first Messi assist came at 38 minutes when he flicked a lobed pass over the back line to Gonzalo Ariel Montiel, whose low‑drive made it 2‑0.
Midway through the second half, a defensive mishap turned costly. Puerto Rico’s naturalized defender Juan Cruz Real inadvertently diverted a cross into his own net, pushing the tally to 3‑0. Alexis Javier Mac Allister capped the first half with a curling finish, and he added another early in the second half to make it 5‑0.
Messi’s second assist arrived in the 83rd minute: a clever back‑pass split the defense, freeing Lautaro Javier Martínez for his second of the night and sealing the 6‑0 final. Statistically, Messi completed 89 of 97 passes (91.8 % accuracy) and logged four key passes. Martínez recorded six shots, four on target, while the Argentine side as a whole finished with 89.3 % pass completion.
Reactions from Officials and Fans
After the whistle, Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s 46‑year‑old head coach, substituted Messi in the 78th minute. The stadium erupted; an estimated 85 % of spectators remained for the closing minutes, chanting the team’s anthem.
Fans in Fort Lauderdale were a mix of Miami expatriates and local supporters. Stadium operations manager Evelyn Rodriguez reported that attendance rose from 10,500 at kickoff to roughly 15,750 by the hour mark, as last‑minute tickets sold for $25 through Ticketmaster.
Across the border, Puerto Rico’s football federation expressed disappointment but praised the visitors for a “professional display.” Meanwhile, Chicago officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, indicated the city would pursue future high‑profile matches, citing the “learning experience” from the ticket‑sale shortfall.
Financials and Economic Impact
- Ticket revenue: $1.2 million
- Relocation costs: $2.8 million (borne by AFA and promoter Traffic Sports USA)
- Estimated local spending on food, transport, and merchandise: $750,000
- Media rights and sponsorship impressions: roughly 12 million US viewers worldwide
While the match generated a modest profit for the stadium, the overall balance sheet reflects a net loss for the federation. Still, analysts argue that the exposure of Messi’s brand in South Florida could boost ticket sales for Inter Miami’s upcoming MLS fixtures.
What This Means for Future Friendlies
From a logistical standpoint, the episode underscores how immigration enforcement can ripple into sports planning. U.S. Soccer Federation has hinted at tighter coordination with federal agencies ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
For Argentina, the dominant performance offers a morale boost ahead of the Copa América in June 2026. Messi, now 37, proved he can still dictate play, while the younger stars—Martínez, Mac Allister, and González—showed they’re ready to carry the torch.
Overall, the match exemplified how a simple friendly can become a case study in crisis management, fan engagement, and the economic calculus of moving a game across state lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the match moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
AFA cited security concerns stemming from an ICE immigration operation that had led to over 1,000 arrests in Cook County, while Chicago officials pointed to poor ticket sales—only 22,000 of 61,500 seats sold—making the venue change a financial safeguard.
How did Lionel Messi perform in the game?
Messi delivered two assists—one to Gonzalo Montiel in the 38th minute and another to Lautaro Martínez in the 83rd—and initiated the play that led to a third goal, completing 89 of 97 passes at a 91.8 % accuracy rate.
What was the financial outcome of the friendly?
Ticket sales generated $1.2 million, but relocation and stadium costs totalled $2.8 million, leaving a net loss for AFA and its promoter. Local spending and media exposure added indirect economic benefits.
Who scored for Argentina besides Messi?
Goals came from Julián Álvarez (27’), Nicolás González (72’), Gonzalo Montiel (38’), Alexis Mac Allister (two goals), Lautaro Martínez (two goals), and an own‑goal by Puerto Rico’s Juan Cruz Real.
What implications does this have for Argentina’s upcoming tournaments?
The convincing win builds confidence ahead of the 2026 Copa América and World Cup qualifiers. It also showcases the depth of Argentina’s attacking options as they transition from Messi’s era.