Messi and a ref during an MLS game (©Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Messi and a ref during an MLS game (©Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Everyone wants Messi's autograph, but one ref will regret doing so

Reading Time: 1min | Wed. 26.02.25. | 22:02

Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava won't be allowed to officiate in the next six months

Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava has been slapped with a six-month ban for asking Lionel Messi for his autograph after the recent match.

Ortiz Nava sparked controversy when he approached the Argentinian in the aftermath of Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Sporting Kansas City last week.

The referee later apologised for his actions, and added that he had requested Messi's signature so that he could give it to a family member with special needs.

Interestingly, Ortiz Nava will continue refereeing in the Mexican top flight during his suspension.

The decision to permit Ortiz Nava to continue officiating there comes somewhat as a surprise, given Mexico's Liga MX is part of the CONCACAF confederation.



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Lionel MessiMLS - Major League Soccer

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