Referee's Request for Messi Autograph Leads to Disciplinary Action

Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava faces a CONCACAF disciplinary sanction for seeking Lionel Messi's autograph after a match. Ortiz made the request for a relative with special needs, but it violated official conduct codes. He accepted responsibility and apologized for the breach.

Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava learned a tough lesson when he approached Lionel Messi for an autograph and faced disciplinary actions as a result. Ortiz sought the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's signature after Inter Miami's victory over Sporting Kansas City, but his actions were against CONCACAF's code of conduct.

While the referee sought the autograph with good intentions for a family member with special needs, CONCACAF officials deemed his actions inappropriate. In a statement to ESPN, the governing body highlighted that such requests must follow the established procedures and protocols.

Despite the absence of details surrounding the exact disciplinary measures, Ortiz accepted full responsibility for the breach of protocol and issued an apology. The premier continental club tournament will proceed with Inter Miami set to host Sporting Kansas City at Chase Stadium in the upcoming return leg.