Argentina’s Liga Profesional 2026: A Deep Dive into Referee Assignments and the Future of Football Broadcasting
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced the referee assignments for the 7th matchday of the 2026 Liga Profesional de Fútbol, now officially branded as the “Torneo Mercado Libre 2026” thanks to a new sponsorship deal with the e-commerce giant. This marks a significant shift, replacing the previous “Betano” sponsorship and highlighting the growing intersection of sports and digital commerce.
Matchday 7: Key Appointments
Several high-profile matches will be officiated by leading referees. Platense’s clash with Defensa y Justicia on February 24th will be overseen by Bruno Amiconi, with VAR support from Sebastián Habib. Later that evening, San Lorenzo’s encounter with Instituto will feature Andrés Merlos as the on-field referee, and Lucas Novelli handling VAR duties. Central Córdoba’s match against Talleres will be led by Yael Falcón Pérez, with Luis Lobo Medina on VAR.
The schedule continues with Belgrano versus Atlético Tucumán, Gimnasia (Mza.) against Independiente, and further matches on February 25th including Barracas Central – Tigre, Gimnasia – Rosario Central, Vélez – Deportivo Riestra, and Newell’s – Estudiantes. Referees assigned to these games include Andrés Gariano, Sebastián Zunino, Pablo Dóvalo, Fernando Echenique, Pablo Echavarría, and Nicolás Lamolina, respectively. VAR support is provided by a dedicated team for each match, ensuring a high level of scrutiny.
Expanding Coverage: TNT Sports and ESPN Premium
The broadcasting landscape for these matches is split between TNT Sports and ESPN Premium, indicating a continued strategy of diversifying media partnerships to reach a wider audience. This dual-platform approach allows fans more options for following the action, and reflects the increasing demand for live sports content.
The Mercado Libre Partnership: A New Era for Argentine Football
The AFA’s partnership with Mercado Libre, announced in October 2025, signifies a growing trend of e-commerce companies investing in sports sponsorships. This isn’t merely about brand visibility; it’s about leveraging the passion and reach of football to connect with consumers. Mercado Libre plans to offer users exclusive experiences, including match tickets and exclusive merchandise, further blurring the lines between sports fandom and online commerce.
The Rise of VAR and its Impact on Refereeing
The consistent implementation of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) across all matches underscores the commitment to improving the accuracy of officiating. The assigned VAR officials – Sebastián Habib, Lucas Novelli, Luis Lobo Medina, Diego Ceballos, Felipe Viola, Fabrizio Llobet, Álvaro Carranza, Yamil Possi, Adrián Franklin, and others – play a crucial role in minimizing errors and ensuring fair play. This reliance on technology is becoming standard practice in professional football leagues worldwide.
Looking Ahead: Matchday 8 and Beyond
The schedule extends into March, with Lanús facing Boca on March 4th, although the referee assignment for this match is still to be determined. Further matches, including Aldosivi versus Argentinos, are similarly awaiting referee confirmation. The continued scheduling of matches across multiple days suggests a deliberate effort to manage the workload of referees and provide optimal viewing experiences for fans.
FAQ
Q: What is the new name of the Argentine professional football league?
A: The league is now officially known as the Torneo Mercado Libre 2026.
Q: Which broadcasters are covering the Liga Profesional matches?
A: TNT Sports and ESPN Premium are the primary broadcasters.
Q: What is the role of VAR in these matches?
A: VAR officials review key decisions made by the on-field referees to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Q: When is the Lanús vs. Boca match scheduled?
A: The match is scheduled for March 4th, but the referee assignment is still pending.
Did you realize? Mercado Libre’s sponsorship extends through the 2027 season, demonstrating a long-term commitment to Argentine football.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on ESPN Premium and TNT Sports schedules for live streaming options and on-demand replays of the matches.
Stay tuned for further updates on referee assignments and match schedules as the Torneo Mercado Libre 2026 progresses. Share your thoughts on the new sponsorship and the impact of VAR in the comments below!
