A Colombian male janitor responsible for cleaning restrooms at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK stadium was fired for requesting a signature from star Lionel Messi.

Cristian Salamanca worked for a company that had a contract to clean various music and sports event venues.

Wednesday, August 2nd marked his first – and also his last – shift at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK stadium in Fort Lauderdale. On that day, the MLS team played against Orlando City in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Leagues Cup.

Salamanca was assigned to clean near the area where the players entered the field. Wearing his company uniform, he had put on an Argentina national team jersey in anticipation of getting Lionel Messi’s autograph.

“I was assigned to clean the restrooms in the area where the team bus parked. Luckily, I was outside when the bus arrived, and all the players got off. The last one was Messi,” Salamanca recounted the incident to Argentina’s La Nacion newspaper.

At that moment, instead of continuing to clean, he squeezed in to ask for Messi’s autograph. “I shouted loudly, ‘Hey, world champion!’. Messi turned to look at me,” Salamanca continued. “I pulled up my uniform to reveal the Argentina jersey and took out a pen. Messi signed for me. Security staff immediately approached, escorted me out, and fired me. But it was worth every second.”

After being fired, Salamanca had to rely on his wife – who also worked at DRV PNK stadium – to collect his belongings.

According to the English newspaper Sportmail, all staff members at DRV PNK stadium – whether part of Inter Miami or external companies – were warned to maintain professionalism and not to disturb Messi for autographs or photos.

In that match on August 2nd, Messi continued to shine by scoring twice to help Inter Miami secure a 3-1 victory and advance to the Round of 16 in the 2023 Leagues Cup. The remaining goal was scored by forward Josef Martinez from a penalty kick in the second half.

In addition to his two goals, Messi also drew attention with his aggressive play, being involved in several altercations with Orlando City players. After the match, Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja criticized the referee for favoritism, as he didn’t show Messi a second yellow card and allowed the Argentine star to continue playing despite committing a foul late in the first half.

With the victory over Orlando City, Inter Miami will face another American representative, FC Dallas, in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Leagues Cup on August 6th.