SOUTH LOOP — Soccer followers who’d hoped to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi in Chicago this weekend are out of luck: The match between Argentina and Puerto Rico is transferring to Florida.
The 2 groups had been scheduled to play Saturday at Soldier Subject as a part of a collection of “friendlies” whereas the Worldwide Federation of Affiliation Soccer, often known as FIFA, takes a break. Messi was set to play in matches in opposition to Puerto Rico and Venezuela this weekend, in response to The Related Press. The sport will now be performed at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium.
The change of venue was as a result of low ticket gross sales, stated Luca Serra, director of Advertising & PR for Legends World, the agency representing Soldier Subject.
However the change comes as Chicago has confronted a surge in immigration enforcement exercise, with federal brokers arresting 1,000 folks in and round Chicago since launching operations Halfway Blitz and At Massive final month.
The exercise has left many fearful and confused, with tensions rising this week after President Donald Trump federalized the Nationwide Guard, calling up troops in Illinois and sending troops from Texas to the Chicago space — over native officers’ objections.
The Puerto Rican group was set to go to the Nationwide Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Tradition, museum CEO Billy Ocasio stated in an announcement the place he expressed disappointment over the sport’s venue change.
“This choice is President Trump’s try to impose financial sanctions on the Metropolis of Chicago for being a Sanctuary Metropolis,” Ocasio stated within the assertion. “Lots of, if not hundreds, of tourists to our metropolis are actually left scrambling to alter flights and cancel lodge reservations. It doesn’t simply harm the groups or the followers; it robs Chicago of a chance to rejoice unity, tradition and satisfaction.
“The message is obvious: Donald Trump is keen to punish total communities to make a political level. However our message is simply as clear: Chicago’s Puerto Rican group won’t be intimidated or silenced. We stand agency in our values, our tradition, and our love for this metropolis.”
The potential for elevated ICE presence at soccer matches has been a priority for golf equipment and followers since Trump took workplace earlier this 12 months. With the USA and Mexico cohosting the World Cup subsequent 12 months, FIFA officers fear the immigration enforcement actvities might have an effect on ticket gross sales for the occasion.
CNN reported in June that low ticket gross sales had been already affecting video games performed at venues in Los Angeles, with followers opting out in solidarity or in worry for his or her security. Los Angeles has additionally been the positioning of elevated immigration enforcement exercise.
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