The Copa America trophy. Photo: Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
Demand for the 2024 Copa America tournament — taking place through July 14 at stadiums around the U.S. — is up 98% compared with 2016, according to data from Vivid Seats.
Why it matters: Experts say prices are driven by demand to see soccer icon Lionel Messi, who will play for his native country, Argentina.
By the numbers: Tickets to see the 2022 World Cup-winning country are going for an average of $414 (as of June 24).
The average sold price of a ticket for the 2016 event was $143 — today, it's $227.
The average price for Team USA's matches is $165.
Yes, but: Argentina and Messi won't play in Arizona this year.
Colombia and Costa Rica play at State Farm Stadium on Friday, and Mexico and Ecuador play Sunday.
Tickets for the Colombia-Costa Rica game start at $83, while tickets for Mexico-Ecuador start at $98.
A third game between winners in groups C and D — neither of which include Argentina — will play in Glendale on July 6.
The intrigue: 2016 was the last time the United States hosted the tournament, which combines the governing body of South American soccer (Conmebol), and the confederation that includes North and Central America (Concacaf).
10 Conmebol teams and six Concacaf teams will play in 32 matches in Glendale and metros including Dallas, Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Houston, Miami and San Francisco.
How to watch: Matches will be broadcast on Fox, FS1 or FS2. Check the schedule.
