Messi-mania gets referee sanctioned

CONCACAF is set to impose a disciplinary sanction on Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava after post-match footage emerged showing him approaching Lionel Messi to request an autograph. Following the revelation of this incident, CONCACAF launched an investigation, which quickly gained traction after Sporting Kansas City lodged an official complaint.

According to ESPN, Ortiz allegedly requested the signature on behalf of a family member with special needs. However, despite the referee’s good intentions, CONCACAF emphasized that “the referee’s actions are not aligned with the Confederation’s Code of Conduct for match officials and necessary procedures.”

CONCACAF has yet to disclose the exact nature of the sanctions against the referee or how they might affect his future career. Ortiz, for his part, has already issued an apology and accepted the consequences of his actions. Professional referees are strictly prohibited from engaging in such interactions with players, coaches, or anyone affiliated with a club while wearing their official uniform.

A heated return leg for Miami

The autograph incident is just one element adding fuel to an already intense return fixture. A narrow first-leg result, the real possibility of an early exit, and the highly anticipated return of Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez to familiar territory all contribute to making next Tuesday’s match a high-stakes affair.

Inter Miami, undergoing a year of squad evolution under new management, has made competing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup a key objective. In previous seasons, the gap in quality against some opponents – especially those from the U.S. and Mexico – was glaring. This year, things are expected to be very different.

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