Lionel Messi’s first MLS referee reveals how his true colours came through during debut

Lionel Messi has been hailed for his humility and the time he has given to fans throughout his illustrious career, with one referee explaining a stunning gesture after his Inter Miami debut

Lionel Messi demonstrated his renowned humility after his first match with Inter Miami last year.

The revered 37-year-old icon carved out an epic era at Barcelona from 2004 to 2021, netting an awe-inspiring 672 goals in 778 games, snagging 10 La Liga crowns, a trove of 14 domestic cups, and a quartet of Champions League titles before his free-transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

After bagging more silverware in the form of Ligue 1 trophies, Messi took another career leap by joining David Beckham's Inter Miami CF last summer. In contrast to many football stars who let fame inflate their egos, Messi has stayed astonishingly down to earth, dedicating an abundance of time to his supporters.

Honduran referee Said Martinez gave an insight on Messi's debut at Inter Miami during a chat on Rely Maradiaga's YouTube channel recently, explaining exactly what the player is like in person. Martinez shared: "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. 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."

Martinez was enthused about the cherished memory, detailing how Messi took the time to sign a special keepsake for his daughter, highlighting the Argentine star's thoughtful nature. He shared a never-before-told story, saying: "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.

"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 Martinez, 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 gold; it's an invaluable memory."

The Express reports in a separate revelation from his interview, Martinez also conveyed that Cristiano Ronaldo apologised to him during a match in the Saudi Pro League at Al-Nassr, after the Portuguese superstar reportedly criticised the referees for wanting to hog the limelight. The alleged incident came after two goals scored by the icon were disallowed, and CR7 had supposedly said to Martinez that the referees wanted to be "protagonists".

Martinez recounted the interaction with the football superstar, adding: "After checking the VAR, I asked him to come closer; Cristiano is Cristiano, and if he doesn't want to come, he won't.

"But he came over to where I was and I said to him: 'You're a great player, but what you said at half-time isn't right. I respect you a lot, but we're here to do our job just like you are'. He replied: 'Yes, you're right; it wasn't the right way to express myself. I apologise'."

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