Messi's autograph cost him dearly: referee who asked the Argentine for his signature is suspended for six months

Last Wednesday, February 19, Mexican Marco Antonio 'Gato' Ortiz Nava (36 years old) refereed Sporting Kansas City-Inter Miami, the first leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup. The visitors won (0-1), with a goal from their great star, Leo Messi.

After the match, and while the players, still on the pitch, were retreating to the locker room, the referee approached Messi. He asked for his shirt and for an autograph. According to his version, he did it "for a family member with special needs."

The reason given by Ortiz has not convinced the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf).

In a statement, Concacaf said it was aware "of the interaction that occurred between referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava and player Lionel Messi immediately after the final whistle of the match."

Following an investigation, Concacaf has sanctioned the referee with a six-month suspension. "The referee's actions are not in line with the Confederation's Code of Conduct for game officials and the processes required for such requests," a spokesperson said.

Ortiz was banned from all international activity, meaning he will not be able to referee in the Gold Cup that will be held in the middle of the year, and it was even said that his refereeing career is in jeopardy. Although the Mexican League has not yet made a statement, in principle the punishment would not prevent him from continuing to referee in his country's tournaments.

Ortiz Nava has been in this profession for 16 years and, among other international championships, has refereed matches at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games, the 2018 Concacaf League and the 2023 U-20 World Cup.