Makkelie reportedly handled two group-stage matches at the 2022 World Cup. The report lists Argentina 2-0 Poland and Spain 1-1 Germany among those assignments, with six yellow cards shown across the games.
The Argentina-Poland match remains linked to Lionel Messi after the forward missed a penalty awarded by Makkelie. It was reportedly the only match of Messi’s tournament without a goal or assist, despite the Argentina captain finishing the competition with 10 goal involvements.
That history does not predict what will happen in Los Angeles, but it gives Makkelie an established tournament profile rather than making this his first major test.
The update also says Makkelie refereed the United States’ friendly against Germany in 2015, a match the USMNT won 2-1. His familiarity with the American side is limited, but the connection adds another layer to an appointment already being discussed before kick-off.
For Messi, the key reference point is not a pattern of repeated meetings but one high-profile decision. Makkelie’s penalty call against Poland was followed by a miss, underlining how quickly a referee’s involvement can become part of the tournament narrative.
The report says Paraguay have won three of their last five matches, while the United States have recorded two wins in five. That form contrast gives the visitors a reason for confidence and makes a controlled start essential for the co-hosts.
Makkelie’s performance will be judged on consistency, particularly if the opening becomes physical. Once the match begins, though, the focus will quickly move from the referee to the result-and to how both teams respond in their next Group D fixture.