It's not every day that a referee asks a player for their jersey, especially when that player is none other than the legendary Lionel Messi. However, this is exactly what happened following Inter Miami CF's 1-0 win at Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday.
Messi, who is the captain of Inter Miami CF, had just led his team to a hard-fought victory on the road, and as he was walking off the pitch, the match referee approached him with an unusual request. Instead of handing out a yellow or red card, the referee asked Messi if he could have his jersey as a keepsake.
While this may seem like a strange request, it's not uncommon for referees to ask players for their jerseys, especially if they are fans of the player or want to commemorate a special occasion. However, it's still a rare sight to see a referee approaching a player, especially one as famous as Messi, and asking for their jersey.
The incident has sparked a lot of interest and debate among soccer fans, with some praising the referee for being a fan and appreciating Messi's greatness, while others have criticized the referee for being unprofessional. Regardless of one's opinion on the matter, it's clear that Messi is still a beloved and respected figure in the soccer world, and his presence on the pitch is still a big deal.
Messi has been playing for Inter Miami CF since 2023, and has been a key player for the team, leading them to several victories and scoring important goals. His presence in the MLS has been a major boost for the league, attracting new fans and increasing interest in the sport.
The victory over Sporting Kansas City was an important one for Inter Miami CF, as it helped them climb up the standings and stay in contention for a playoff spot. Messi's performance was instrumental in the win, as he created several scoring opportunities and helped his team control the tempo of the game.
As for the referee's request, it's unclear whether Messi agreed to give him his jersey or not. However, it's likely that the referee will never forget the experience of asking one of the greatest soccer players of all time for his jersey, and will cherish the memory for a long time to come.