Drew Fischer: the Canadian MLS referee appointed to officiate Argentina vs Cape Verde

Canadian referee Drew Fischer has been appointed to take charge of Argentina’s Copa América 2024 round-of-16 clash against Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Fischer, 45, is one of MLS’s most respected officials and is no stranger to high-stakes football. He refereed last year’s MLS Cup final and served as a VAR official at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, giving him direct experience of the tournament’s biggest moments — and of Lionel Messi himself.

This is Fischer’s third assignment at Copa América 2024. He previously oversaw France’s 3-0 win over Iraq and Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Ghana in the group stage, the latter notable for a lengthy pitchside VAR review before he awarded Ghana’s goal.

Fischer will be assisted by two fellow Canadians on the touchlines: Micheal Barwegen and Lyes Arfa. Mexico’s Katia Garcia has been named as fourth official, with compatriot Sandra Ramirez serving as the reserve official. The VAR booth will be led by American Armando Villarreal, supported by Croatia’s Ivan Bebek and Nicaragua’s Tatiana Guzman.

Argentina enter the tie as heavy favourites, with Messi effectively playing on home turf given the stadium’s proximity to his Inter Miami base. Cape Verde, however, arrive with genuine momentum, having gone unbeaten through the group stage with draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.