Canadian referee Drew Fischer has been assigned to officiate the Argentina vs Cape Verde encounter.

The winners of this fixture will advance to the round of 16.

As defending world champions, Argentina enter the match as overwhelming favourites in what appears to be one of the most one-sided contests of this stage.

However, Cape Verde have already demonstrated remarkable resilience and character to reach this point, earning draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia during the group stage.

Lionel Messi will be playing almost on home turf at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, giving Argentina an added sense of familiarity.

Containing the tournament’s all-time leading scorer will be a major challenge for Cape Verde, who will hope that officiating decisions do not add to their difficulties.

Interestingly, Messi will already recognise the referee appointed by FIFA for this match.

Canadian official Drew Fischer, regarded as one of Major League Soccer’s top referees, will take charge of the game with whistle in hand.

The 45-year-old, who bears a resemblance to actor William H. Macy, officiated last year’s MLS Cup final and served as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the 2022 World Cup.

This will be Fischer’s third assignment of the current tournament. He previously oversaw France’s 3-0 victory over Iraq and Croatia’s 2-1 win against Ghana in the group stage, where he awarded Ghana’s goal following an extended pitchside VAR review.

Assisting Fischer on the sidelines will be two fellow Canadians, Micheal Barwegen and Lyes Arfa, both among the country’s leading assistant referees.

Mexican official Katia Garcia has been appointed as the fourth official, while her compatriot Sandra Ramirez will act as the reserve referee on the touchline.

In the VAR control room, American Armando Villarreal will lead operations, supported by Croatia’s Ivan Bebek and Nicaragua’s Tatiana Guzman.