The stage is all set for the Copa America 2024 semifinals. Among the four teams, we will first see the reigning champs Argentina locking horns against Canada. The clash at the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ is going to be the second installment of this tournament’s opening fixture. With just hours remaining until the kick-off, we take a look at the referee, Piero Maza, who will be officiating the match.  

With the stakes already high for the match, all burden lies on the shoulders of good officiating, and taking this responsibility is none other than Maza. The Chilean is one of the most revered names in the refereeing world and has been handed over the job for Argentina vs Canada. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Maza would be officiating Lionel Messi and Co. The South American referee was appointed for the Finalissima 2022, where Argentina-Copa America 2020 winners, faced Italy-UEFA Euro 2020 winners.

La Albiceleste won the contest 3-0, with Maza issuing just four yellow cards—only one to Argentina, specifically to Nicolás Otamendi. Additionally, last year, the 39-year-old officiated a controversial 1-0 win for Argentina over their old rivals, Brazil, during which Brazilian midfielder Joelinton was sent off. Another high-profile match in Maza’s refereeing career was the 2018 Copa Libertadores Finals’ first leg between Boca Juniors and River Plate.

For the Argentina vs. Canada match, Maza will be joined by assistant referees Claudio Urratia and Jose Retamal. The fourth and fifth official duties will be handled by Cristian Garay and Juan Serr, while the VAR will be overseen by Juan Lara and Edson Cisternas. However, Maza has not always had top-notch officiating displays, as he was once taunted by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The referee for Argentina vs Canada once had a hilarious encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo

Piero Maza was in charge of last year’s King Cup of Champions’ round of 16 clash between Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq. Though Cristiano Ronaldo’s side clinched a narrow win, courtesy of Sadio Mane’s strike, the match was marred with many controversial moments. Shortly after Ronaldo was booked in the first half, Anderson Talisca’s strike put Al Nassr ahead. Though the goal was initially allowed the goal, he took the help of VAR.

That eventually saw the goal get overturned with the Chilean alleging that CR7 was in an offside position when the goal was scored. This prompted Ronaldo to humorously signal Maza towards the bench, suggesting he be replaced by another referee. The moment was shared widely on the internet. Either way, let’s hope a similar incident doesn’t transpire during the semifinal clash between Argentina and Canada.