Copa América tickets are pricey

Ticket prices to the 2024 Copa América tournament, which includes games in Arlington, Austin and Houston this week, are up 59% compared to 2016, according to data from Vivid Seats.

Why it matters: Experts say prices are driven by demand to see soccer icon — and Inter Miami star — Lionel Messi, who is playing for his native Argentina.

The latest: Costa Rica faces Paraguay tonight in Austin, and Argentina plays Ecuador on Thursday in Houston.

• Venezuela goes against Canada in the quarterfinal on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Reality check: The high ticket prices are being blamed for half-empty stadiums at some Copa América matches.

• More than 43,000 people watched Peru face Chile on June 21 at AT&T Stadium. That's about half of the stadium's capacity.

Zoom in: This is the first time the stadium has hosted Copa games. The tournament was projected to bring more than 150,000 people to Arlington, per Sports Business Journal.

• The stadium will also be a key host of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.

Fun fact: 2016 was the last time the U.S. hosted the tournament.

By the numbers: As of last week, tickets to see Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, were selling for an average of $414.

• The average price of a ticket for the 2016 event was $143. Last week, it was $227.
• The average price for Team USA's matches was $165.

What's next: Tickets to Friday's game in Arlington start at $110.