Mexican soccer referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava found out the hard way that there are consequences for asking for an autograph from eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi after being punished by CONCACAF's disciplinary committee, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
After the final whistle of Inter Miami's 1-0 win over Kansas City, which was secured by a second-half goal from Messi, the referee, known by his nickname El Gato (b. a. - The Cat), approached the Argentina international. He appeared to have asked for Messi's shirt, but after being refused, he asked the player for an autograph for a special needs relative. Despite the noble goal, Ortiz's behavior fell short of CONCACAF's requirements for officials.
"Following an investigation, CONCACAF learned that the referee approached the player to request an autograph for a family member with special needs," the North American soccer governing body said in a statement. "However, the referee's actions do not meet the code of conduct for match officials," the statement added.
The confederation said Ortiz took full responsibility for his actions and apologized. The first round of the continental tournament for clubs from North and Central America and the Caribbean was postponed due to snowstorms in the region. Inter Miami will host Kansas City in the second leg on Tuesday.