Referee banned six months after Messi autograph request

Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava has received a six-month suspension from officiating in CONCACAF competitions after he approached Lionel Messi for an autograph post-match, citing a request for a family member with special needs. This incident occurred following Inter Miami's victory over Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. CONCACAF deemed Nava's actions a violation of their Code of Conduct for match officials, leading to swift disciplinary proceedings. Although barred from CONCACAF matches, Ortiz Nava is allowed to continue officiating in Liga MX, which is also under the CONCACAF umbrella. He has acknowledged his mistake and accepted the punishment, with a warning that further violations could lead to an indefinite ban. The case highlights the strict expectations placed on referees regarding their conduct, both on and off the field.