“That kind of thing is worth more than anything else” - MLS referee opens up on how Lionel Messi conducts himself when on the pitch
MLS referee Said Martinez recently praised Lionel Messi for his conduct on the pitch and shared a heartwarming incident about the Argentine superstar. Martinez was the referee during Messi's debut game for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul in the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Lionel Messi dazzled the crowd by scoring a last-minute free kick in his debut match for the Herons, making the score 2-1 against Cruz Azul. The victory marked a notable one for Inter Miami, given their disappointing position in the MLS at that time. The Argentine eventually led the club to the 2023 Leagues Cup, marking the club's first silverware in history.
During a chat on Rely Maradiaga’s YouTube channel, Said Martinez recalled interacting with Messi during his Miami debut. He reminisced a friendly gesture by the Argentine, saying (via GOAL):
“He doesn’t get angry easily. When he complains about something, he is usually calm. I saw the most humble gesture of Messi that day. The whole stadium was chanting his name and he came to shake hands with four Honduran referees."
Martinez added:
"The stadium was chanting 'Messi, Messi, Messi, Messi', and he went to shake our hands and congratulated us and gave us a pat on the back and said what a good game and what a good job. That kind of thing is worth more than anything else.”
Lionel Messi was out for two months while recovering from an ankle injury he picked up during Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. He returned to the pitch for Inter Miami in September 2024, and led his side to the Supporter's Shield after a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew on October 2. The Argentine forward scored a brace in the game.
After the October international break with Argentina, Lionel Messi will be looking to win the MLS Cup with the Herons, adding to his record trophy cabinet of 46 titles.
"It's an invaluable memory" - MLS referee Said Martinez recalls Lionel Messi signing a memento for his daughter
In his aforementioned interview, MLS referee Said Martinez also recalled another incident with Lionel Messi, when the Argentine signed a memento for his daughter. Martinez said (via GOAL):
“There is something I've never revealed in the media. There is a very special object I have saved for when my daughter turns 15. I'm not someone who takes photos with players; for me, all players are the same. I'm there to do my job. However, I went with the dressing room delegate to check some things during a match involving Messi."
The referee continued:
“At that moment Leo Messi was there signing some things. I decided to take out the FIFA card with which I officiated in the Gold Cup final between Mexico and Panama. It would be a memento for my daughter, not me. As you can see on the card, it says: 'For Siham Martínez, with love, Leo Messi'."
"This is Messi's original signature; this is the precious object I have from him. It's Messi's handwriting. He took the time to write it. These details are worth more than gold; it's an invaluable memory."
Lionel Messi has been maintaining an impressive form for the Herons this season, having recorded 19 goals and 12 assists in 21 appearances for the club across competitions.