Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. /CFP
The final of the Copa America, between Argentina and Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, will be played in front of up to 7,800 fans – 10 percent of the Maracana Stadium's 78,000-seat capacity.
The American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said on Friday that both Argentina and Brail can invite 2,200 fans to the game. Spectators must have a negative COVID-19 test result (within 48 hours of kickoff). Mask-wearing and two-meter social distancing are also required, and no food or drink is allowed in the stadium.
"There will be a great distance between people, and all the guests will be invited by CONMEBOL," said Eduardo Paes, mayor of Rio, at a press conference.
No tickets will be sold for Saturday's game. Having spectators in the stadium for the game is an exception, not a sign that fans will be allowed at other sporting events in the city or a test for lifting the spectator attendance ban in Rio, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Neymar (R) of Brazil and Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina compete for the ball in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier game at Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, November 10, 2016. /CFP
About 5,000 fans were allowed to attend the Copa Libertadores final between Palmeiras and Santos at Maracana in January. Two years ago, the stadium hosted the last Copa America final with a crowd of nearly 70,000. Brazil beat Peru 3-1 to win the title.
"There is another context with 10 percent of the attendance. For those who had none before, it is a motivation, an environment returning to normal," said Brazilian defender Thiago Silva. "We know it is not ideal, but it has to happen like in Europe, little by little."
Argentina and Brazil have won 14 and nine Copa America championships respectively. The two South American football giants have faced each other a total of 107 times, including three in Copa America finals – Brazil won twice in 2004 and 2007. Brazil have won three of the past six Copa Americas, while Argentina were runners-up in four of them.
However, Argentina are not to be underestimated. Lionel Messi, the 34-year-old superstar, has already scored four goals and assisted five more in six games. He's nothing but desperate to win his first major title for Argentina.