safety
‘The ground is pulsating’: Messi mania engulfs South Florida ahead of Argentina-Cape Verde World Cup round of 32 match
By Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
Less than 24 hours before Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national soccer team take the pitch against Cape Verde for the World Cup in Miami Stadium, the Argentinian faithful continued their South Florida takeover in anticipation of the big match. Argentinian fans couldn’t wait to show support for t
Key takeaway A video posted online by Only in Dade shows throngs of fans taking over the beach near 73rd Street and Collins Avenue.
Why this matters in The Miami
The massive turnout of Argentinian fans in South Beach ahead of the World Cup match against Cape Verde puts Miami Beach Police to the test, as they work to balance fan enthusiasm with public safety. The decision to close off sections of the road and station officers on rooftops to monitor the crowd is a prudent one, given the area's history of congestion and the potential for accidents or incidents. As the city hosts high-profile events like this, it's a reminder that Miami's infrastructure and emergency services must be equipped to handle large crowds and unexpected situations. The fact that fans are taking over not just the streets but also the beach itself raises concerns about crowd control and beach safety, particularly in an area prone to flooding and coastal erosion. As the match gets underway, all eyes will be on how effectively the city manages the crowds and ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Less than 24 hours before Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national soccer team take the pitch against Cape Verde for the World Cup in Miami Stadium, the Argentinian faithful continued their South Florida takeover in anticipation of the big match. Argentinian fans couldn’t wait to show support for t
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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