When Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina set up two goals, the result was a 6‑0 rout of Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. The friendly—originally slated for Soldier Field in Chicago—was shifted at the last minute amid a swirl of explanations ranging from weak ticket sales to a hard‑line immigration crackdown in the Windy City. The Argentine side, gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, turned the relocation into a showcase of depth, while the hosts struggled to keep pace.
Background and Relocation Saga
The match was part of the Argentina vs Puerto Rico International FriendlyChase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale. It was supposed to take place on Oct. 13 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Late‑stage talks revealed two contradictory narratives: Chicago officials blamed “low ticket sales,” while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) cited a recent immigration crackdown that saw more than 1,000 arrests in the area. The clash of reasons left fans baffled, but the move to Florida meant the game could proceed without the looming legal hassles.
Tickets for the Florida venue went on sale just hours before kickoff, dipping to as low as $25—a rarity for any Messi‑involved event, according to ESPN. The stadium was roughly half‑full when the whistle blew, but attendance ticked up as the night wore on, a modest crowd compared with the usual roar at La Bombonera or even Inter Miami’s home games.
Match Overview and Key Moments
Argentina rolled out a squad that mixed seasoned veterans with fresh faces—20 different players had featured across two matches, a point highlighted by beIN SPORTS commentator Rodrigo El Campo. The first breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Alexis Mac Allister slotted home after a quick one‑two with Messi, who flicked a lob that found Gonzalo Montiel for his second‑minute assist.
- 14' – Mac Allister (assist from Messi)
- 23' – Gonzalo Montiel (finish from a Messi‑driven move)
- 36' – Mac Allister’s second goal (solo effort)
- 64' – Own goal by Puerto Rico defender Steven Echevarria
- 79' – Lautaro Martínez (assist from Messi’s back‑pass)
- 84' – Lautaro Martínez (second, finishing a cross)
The Argentine attack was fluid, and Messi’s second assist—a “nifty back pass” that unlocked the defense for Martínez—underscored his vision even when he didn’t find the net. The Puerto Rican side, fielding a line‑up that included goalkeeper Cutler and defender Steven Echevarria, could not muster a reply, highlighting the gap between CONMEBOL giants and CONCACAF minnows.
Coaches' Perspectives
Head coach Lionel Scaloni praised the depth of his squad, noting that “we've rotated 20 players in two games and still found quality and cohesion.” He also applauded the three debutants, saying they “look incredible” and will push for spots in the World Cup roster.
On the Puerto Rican side, federation spokesperson Juan García admitted the result was “a learning curve.” He emphasized the need for more competitive matches against higher‑ranked opponents to close the gap.
Implications for 2026 World Cup Prep
Argentina’s blow‑out serves as a confidence booster ahead of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The friendly allowed Scaloni to test tactical variations—especially a high‑pressing shape that saw midfielders often swapping positions, a system that could be vital against the diverse styles the tournament will present.
For Puerto Rico, the match underscored the urgency of investing in youth development and infrastructure. The federation’s president, Luis Pérez, hinted at plans to schedule more games against South American teams, hoping to bridge the experience gap before the next CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Fan Experience and Ticketing Oddities
Fans who snagged a $25 seat reported a relaxed atmosphere—soft grass, a gentle sea breeze, and a few spontaneous chants of “Messi! Messi!” echoing through the stands. The price point, however, raised eyebrows; typical Messi‑related fixtures command double‑digit ticket prices, even for MLS matches. Analysts suggest the low cost was a strategic move by the venue operators to ensure decent attendance after the last‑minute venue change.
Despite the half‑filled crowd, the stadium’s modern amenities—HD screens replaying Messi’s assists in slow motion—kept the spectators engaged. Social media clips of the match generated over 2 million combined views within 24 hours, indicating that even a modest live audience can spark sizable digital buzz.
What’s Next?
Argentina will head to Europe next week for a high‑stakes friendly against Spain, a match many view as a final dress rehearsal before the World Cup qualifiers resume. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico is set to face the Dominican Republic in a CONCACAF Nations League double‑header, a chance to regroup and assess the squad’s progress.
The relocation saga also left a lingering question: will the AFA seek more stable venues for future friendlies, or will they continue to adapt on the fly? One thing’s clear—Messi’s creativity on the ball remains a magnet for fans, no matter the stadium’s capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Argentina‑Puerto Rico friendly moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
Chicago officials blamed low ticket sales, while the Argentine Football Association cited a recent immigration crackdown that led to over 1,000 arrests in the area. The conflicting reasons prompted the last‑minute shift to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Did Lionel Messi score any goals in the match?
Messi didn’t find the net, but he recorded two assists—one to Gonzalo Montiel and another to Lautaro Martínez—helping Argentina build a 6‑0 lead.
How does this result affect Argentina’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup?
The dominant win gives coach Lionel Scaloni confidence in his squad depth and tactical variations. It also allows him to assess debutants who could earn spots on the final World Cup roster.
What was the attendance like at Chase Stadium?
The venue was about half‑filled at kickoff, with roughly 4,000‑5,000 fans in a stadium that holds 10,000. Attendance grew modestly as the game progressed, helped by the low ticket price of $25.
What are the next matches for Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico’s next assignment is a CONCACAF Nations League clash against the Dominican Republic, scheduled for early November, where they hope to improve on the defensive lapses displayed against Argentina.