FIFA says match between Messi and England will start at 1 p.m. at Estadio Azteca

• Start of the match between Messi and England at Estadio Azteca will be moved by 1 hour due to severe weather.
• AP reports that the match was originally scheduled to start between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., but FIFA has moved the start time.
• Independent reports on the ongoing match: the stadium lights have gone out amid heavy rain and lightning between the teams.

The 1/8 final match involving the tournament’s favorite, Messi’s team against England, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City began with a delay of one hour due to severe weather. According to AP, the match was scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The match was delayed after the kickoff because, as Independent reports, the FIFA officials decided to pause the game due to “severe weather.” Independent adds that FIFA is following instructions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): according to the agency, lightning between the stadium and the surrounding area was expected. Independent also notes that it was announced that the lightning danger would last for 30 minutes, which would then be followed by a 15-minute break.

AP adds that the match was paused due to another delay, which FIFA had already experienced earlier in the tournament: the match of the 1/16 final against Ecuador, which was delayed by about one hour due to similar weather conditions. AP also reports that FIFA has moved the start time for the match because it is following the weather forecast.

Independent adds that during the pause, the players, including Messi, were able to go to the locker rooms, while FIFA decided to wait for the storm to pass. Independent notes that the match continued after the lightning danger had ended.

Tags: Sport/Football/Weather