CONCACAF Disciplines Referee for Requesting Messi’s Autograph After Miami’s Victory

CONCACAF has taken disciplinary action against referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava after he was seen requesting Lionel Messi’s autograph following Inter Miami’s 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday night.

Ortiz Nava, who officiated the match at Children’s Mercy Park, reportedly approached Messi post-game, sparking speculation that he was asking for the Argentine star’s jersey. However, a statement from CONCACAF later clarified that the referee had actually sought an autograph for a family member with special needs.

Despite the reasoning behind the request, CONCACAF determined that Ortiz Nava’s actions violated the federation’s code of conduct for match officials. “The referee's conduct does not align with the Confederation’s Code of Conduct for match officials and existing processes for these types of requests,” the governing body stated.

Ortiz Nava has since acknowledged his mistake, issued an apology, and accepted the unspecified disciplinary measures imposed by CONCACAF. However, the federation has not disclosed details of the punishment.

The incident followed a dramatic match in frigid conditions, with temperatures near zero degrees Fahrenheit and subzero wind chills. Messi, who played the full 90 minutes, secured the victory for Inter Miami with a goal in the 56th minute, assisted by Sergio Busquets.

This is not the first time Ortiz Nava has officiated an Inter Miami game, having previously overseen their Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville last season.

Sporting Kansas City confirmed that they reported the incident to both CONCACAF and Major League Soccer and are awaiting further review.

Inter Miami will now prepare for their 2025 MLS season opener at home against NYCFC on Saturday, before facing Sporting Kansas City again in the second leg of their Champions Cup tie on Tuesday at Chase Stadium.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @leomessi