Argentina vs Puerto Rico friendly moved after protests

Match Moved to Houston After Protests

The Argentina vs Puerto Rico friendly will no longer take place in Chicago. Authorities decided to move the match after widespread protests disrupted city operations.

Instead, the game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston. The change was confirmed late Thursday evening by the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

“Safety comes first,” said an AFA spokesperson. “We appreciate the fans’ patience and support.”

The quick response helped organizers avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition.

Argentina Adjusts Plans

The change slightly affects Argentina’s schedule, yet the team has already adapted. Coach Lionel Scaloni shifted training sessions to Houston and confirmed the squad remains focused.

“It’s not ideal, but we’re ready,” said defender Cristian Romero. “The location doesn’t matter — the mindset does.”

Argentina will use this match as preparation for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The Argentina vs Puerto Rico clash offers Scaloni a chance to test young talents while managing star players’ minutes.

Puerto Rico Embraces the Challenge

For Puerto Rico, the venue change hardly matters. This fixture remains a rare opportunity to play against the world champions.

Coach Charlie Troutman said the team is excited rather than nervous.

“We came to compete,” he said. “Facing Argentina anywhere is a dream for us.”

Puerto Rico is expected to stay compact defensively and look for counterattacks. The Argentina vs Puerto Rico match will test their discipline and teamwork.

Chicago Fans React

Many Chicago fans were disappointed but understood the reason for the move. The protests, which caused traffic disruptions near Soldier Field, left the city unable to guarantee full safety.

Ticket holders will receive refunds or have the option to transfer seats to the Houston venue.

On social media, some fans praised AFA’s decision, calling it responsible and quick.

“I’ll still travel to see Messi — it’s worth it,” one fan wrote on X.

Messi Expected to Feature

Lionel Messi is still set to play part of the game. Although Scaloni will likely rest him for the qualifiers, Messi’s presence adds excitement to the Argentina vs Puerto Rico fixture.

Meanwhile, local media in Houston expect over 50,000 fans to attend. The city has already hosted several successful international matches this year.

Looking Ahead

The Argentina vs Puerto Rico game now represents more than a friendly — it’s a show of resilience. Both teams adjusted quickly and showed professionalism amid unexpected circumstances.

As a result, the event will still deliver excitement for fans and valuable preparation for players.

Argentina will aim to continue their unbeaten run, while Puerto Rico will focus on learning and growing from the experience.