When Lionel Andrés Messi, captain of Argentina stepped onto the turf at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the 195th cap of his illustrious international career began with a quiet confidence that would soon erupt into six unanswered goals.
The match, officially catalogued as Argentina vs. Puerto Rico International FriendlyChase Stadium, had been slated for Soldier Field in Chicago just a week earlier. Conflicting reports surfaced: Chicago officials blamed tepid ticket sales, while the Argentine Soccer Federation cited an ongoing immigration crackdown that saw more than 1,000 arrests in the area since September.
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni had publicly promised to play Messi “only if he is fit,” emphasizing player health over exhibition bragging rights. When the whistle blew, Scaloni’s gamble paid off in spectacular fashion.
Between national duty, Messi had just returned from a decisive MLS showdown, where his Inter Miami CF side thumped Atlanta United 4‑0, a performance that saw him tally two goals and an assist. The Argentine forward’s stamina was on display as he completed the full 90 minutes in Fort Lauderdale despite a grueling club schedule.
Background and venue switch
The relocation saga added an extra layer of intrigue. Chicago’s low ticket sales were cited in a press release on October 9, yet the Argentine Federation’s statement on October 11 blamed new immigration enforcement measures that had frozen dozens of visas for foreign athletes. The scramble left fans in the Windy City disappointed but gave South Florida a rare chance to watch world‑class talent up close.
Local media reported that tickets, originally priced at $75‑$150, were suddenly listed for as low as $25 a few hours before kickoff. The stadium, home to Inter Miami’s training ground, was about half‑filled at kickoff but swelled as word spread through the community.
Match timeline and key moments
The action unfolded quickly. At the 14th minute, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring, nudging the ball past goalkeeper Cutler Sebastian after a slick one‑two with midfield partner.
Just nine minutes later, Gonzalo Damián Montiel smashed home a low drive from a clever lob pass laid out by Messi—his first official assist of the night.
Mac Allister struck again at 36 minutes, exploiting a defensive lapse to double Argentina’s lead. The first half ended 3‑0, and the Argentine side looked comfortably in control.
After the break, both teams made substitutions at the 58th and 61st minutes. The turning point came in the 64th minute when Puerto Rico defender Steven Echevarria inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, handing Argentina a 4‑0 cushion.
Lautaro Javier Martínez entered the fray and added his first goal at 79 minutes, finishing a swift counter‑attack. Four minutes later, he completed his brace, slotting home a chance created by a “nifty back pass” from Messi—this time counted as a secondary assist, as Messi’s vision initiated the play.
The final whistle blew at 9:45 PM ET, cementing a 6‑0 victory for the 2022 World Cup holders.
Messi’s role and impact
Messi didn’t find the net, but his influence was palpable. Besides the two recorded assists, he orchestrated the build‑up to Martínez’s second goal with a perfectly timed back‑heel pass. In a post‑match interview, Scaloni praised his captain’s “unselfishness and ability to make space for teammates even at 38.”
Statistically, Messi completed 83% of his passes, introduced three key passes, and covered an average of 6.4 km—numbers that rival his club performances earlier that week.
Reactions from coaches and fans
Puerto Rico’s coach Charlie Trout acknowledged the harsh scoreline but highlighted the learning experience: “Facing a World Cup champion teaches our young players what elite professionalism looks like.”
Fans in Fort Lauderdale described the atmosphere as “electric” despite the partial attendance. One spectator noted, “Seeing Messi in person for $25 is something I’ll tell my grandkids about.” The match was broadcast via beIN SPORTS USA and streamed on ViX and Fanatiz, expanding its reach beyond the modest stadium crowd.
Implications for World Cup preparations
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the friendly serves as a confidence booster for Argentina. Scaloni hinted that the squad will continue testing tactical variations, particularly integrating younger forwards like Mateo Kushnir, who sat on the bench.
For Puerto Rico, the encounter is part of a broader development plan. The federation, ranked 35th in CONCACAF, hopes the exposure will accelerate its future qualifying campaigns. The match also underscores the growing appeal of international fixtures in non‑traditional venues, a trend that could reshape scheduling for smaller federations.
Statistical highlights
- Argentina: 6 goals, 0 shots off target
- Messi: 2 assists, 3 key passes, 83% pass accuracy
- Attendance: ~7,200 (≈50% capacity)
- Ticket price range: $25‑$120
- Broadcast reach: 12 countries via TV and streaming platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the friendly moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
Chicago officials cited low ticket sales, while the Argentine Soccer Federation blamed a recent immigration crackdown that had led to over 1,000 arrests in the area, making player travel uncertain.
How did Messi perform despite not scoring?
Messi recorded two official assists, created a third goal with a back‑pass, completed 83% of his passes and logged 6.4 km covered, showing his playmaking impact remains elite.
What does this result mean for Argentina’s World Cup build‑up?
The dominant win reinforces Argentina’s tactical confidence and offers Scaloni a chance to evaluate squad depth ahead of the 2026 World Cup, especially with veteran players like Messi still performing at a high level.
How did Puerto Rico benefit from the match?
Facing the world’s top team gave Puerto Rico’s young roster exposure to high‑intensity play, helping the federation gauge gaps and plan future development, even though the scoreline was lopsided.
Was the match widely accessible to fans?
Yes. It aired on beIN SPORTS USA and streamed live on ViX and Fanatiz, reaching audiences in at least 12 countries, while local ticket prices dropped to $25 for last‑minute buyers.
