Referee who asked for Lionel Messi's autograph handed six-months ban

The Concacaf took disciplinary action against the referee.

According to sources, Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava has been suspended from officiating in Concacaf tournaments for six months after requesting an autograph from Lionel Messi.

Ortiz Nava, 36, approached Messi at the end of the match of Inter Miami CF’s Concacaf Champions Cup 1-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City on February 19 to get his autograph for someone in his family with disabilities, prompting Concacaf to initiate an investigation against him.

As per the rules, the officials cannot take any photos or autographs with the players and it results in severe penalties. Now the referee who approached Messi is set to serve a six-month ban.

In a statement, Concacaf said last week that the referee’s conduct “does not align with the Confederation’s Code of Conduct for match officials” and added that Ortiz Nava had “acknowledged his mistake, apologized for the incident, and accepted the disciplinary action Concacaf has applied.”

A referee asked Lionel Messi for his jersey after officiating his Inter Miami match in the Concacaf Champions Cup.Messi obliged and gave the official his valuable jersey, sparking concerns of integrity and favoritism towards the superstar.

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 20, 2025

While serving his suspension, Ortiz Nava, who officiated Friday’s Mexican league match between Puebla and Club Tijuana, will continue to officiate in Mexico’s Liga MX. According to the same source, Ortiz Nava will face life in prison if he breaks any other rules.

Lionel Messi has been the face of Major League Soccer and his club since his arrival in America. He continues to grow the league’s popularity with his fame. During the games as well we have seen the opposition players approach the former Barcelona star for selfies and autographs.

However, for the officials, it is banned as they are not allowed to do so. If they break such law they will face severe punishment by the authorities. Now Ortiz Nava’s recent punishment will serve as a big example for other referees.

Meanwhile, Messi’s Inter Miami will return to action in the Concacaf second-leg tie against Sporting KC with a goal advantage when they host them on Tuesday night.

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