
Unusual Request: Referee Asks for Lionel Messi's Jersey After Inter Miami's Victory
A referee's request for Messi's jersey highlights the Argentine's remarkable influence in MLS.
In soccer, it’s common for players to request jerseys after matches, but a referee asking for one is an unexpected twist.
After Inter Miami’s cold-weather victory against Sporting Kansas City in the Concacaf Champions Cup, referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava made a unique request to Lionel Messi for his jersey.
Upon finishing the game, and once Messi had changed out of his chilling gear, he gladly obliged the referee’s request, as reported by ESPN.
Engaging moments and requests like this highlight the influence Messi has had since joining Major League Soccer, where he has quickly become a top target for jersey swaps.
Next for Inter Miami is their season opener against New York City FC at Chase Stadium this weekend.