"There were the circumstances behind the move, sparked at least in part by an immigration crackdown that had seen more than 1,000 arrested since last month in the Chicago area. Tickets were available a couple hours before the game for as low as $25, which is rare for anything involving Messi. The stadium was about half-filled at kickoff, though it did fill somewhat more as the match went along."
"It also pitted the world's No. 3 ranked team, according to global governing body FIFA, in Argentina against the world's No. 155-ranked team in Puerto Rico -- which even had some college players in its lineup. Goalkeeper Sebastian Cutler, who saved a header from Messi early in the second half, then stoned him again on a 15-yard left-footed try in the 74th minute, was 1-1-2 this season at Villanova, and midfielder Noeh Hernández has three goals this season for DePaul."
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Lionel Messi had two assists and helped start a play that led to another goal, as reigning World Cup champion Argentina beat Puerto Rico 6-0 in a relocated international friendly on Tuesday night. The match was originally scheduled to be played Monday in Chicago, before promoters moved the game last week. Officials in Chicago said low ticket sales were to be blamed;"
Argentina routed Puerto Rico 6-0 in a relocated friendly in Fort Lauderdale. Lionel Messi had two assists and initiated a play leading to another goal. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice and Argentina benefited from an own goal. The match had been moved from Chicago amid conflicting explanations: Chicago officials cited low ticket sales while the Argentine federation blamed an immigration crackdown. Tickets were available shortly before kickoff for as low as $25 and the stadium was about half-filled early. Puerto Rico fielded some college players, and goalkeeper Sebastian Cutler denied Messi on multiple occasions.
Read at ESPN
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