A strategic tweak that favors Messi and gives Scaloni room to experiment
According to sources close to the organizers, the venue and date change follows social unrest and related disruptions in Chicago. The new setting—where Lionel Messi has dazzled with Inter Miami—offers enhanced security and superior logistics for the reigning world champions.
Indirect upside for Messi and MLS
The rescheduling unlocks a meaningful collateral benefit: with the Puerto Rico friendly moved to Tuesday, Lionel Messi could be available for Inter Miami’s MLS clash against Atlanta United on Saturday. Head coach Lionel Scaloni remains measured about his captain’s minutes. “He hasn’t confirmed whether Messi will feature against Venezuela,” he cautioned, adding he won’t take risks with players nursing knocks, such as Franco Mastantuono and goalkeeper Dibu Martínez.
Chase Stadium, home of Las Garzas, will host the friendly on Tuesday, one day after the originally planned date.
Absences and audition windows
Argentina will be without a key veteran: Nicolás Otamendi has received a one-match suspension and will miss the opening fixture of the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will defend its title. Scaloni intends to leverage these friendlies to assess players who typically see fewer minutes. “The idea is to test those who don’t usually play as much, to draw conclusions that will help finalize the roster for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada,” the manager explained.
Updated schedule
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vs. Puerto Rico: Tuesday, October 15 (new date), Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
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Training base: The team will continue training in Miami through the matches
The change further cements South Florida as the preferred football hub for national teams and marquee events—reinforcing its standing as the continent’s capital of sport.
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