Referee Disciplined for Requesting Lionel Messi's Autograph After Match
CONCACAF sanctioned Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava for violating its code of conduct by asking Messi for an autograph for a family member with special needs.
- Referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava approached Lionel Messi after Inter Miami's 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the Concacaf Champions Cup to request an autograph.
- Ortiz clarified that the autograph was for a family member with special needs, but the action violated Concacaf's code of conduct for match officials.
- Concacaf investigated the incident and issued a disciplinary sanction, though the specific details of the punishment have not been disclosed.
- Ortiz acknowledged his mistake, apologized for breaching protocol, and accepted the disciplinary action imposed by the governing body.
- The match, initially postponed due to a winter storm warning, saw Messi score the decisive goal in freezing conditions, with the second leg scheduled for February 25 at Chase Stadium.
ESPN 