Columbian janitor Cristian Salamanca was reportedly fired after getting Messi’s autograph while on the job at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium.
Salamanca worked for a company contracted to clean various stadiums and venues, according to the Daily Mail.
Tickets for Lionel Messi’s first away game for Inter Miami sold out inside ten minutes 🐐 pic.twitter.com/GvCa3rmZsU
— GOAL (@goal) August 4, 2023
It was Cristian Salamanca’s first and last day on the job, according to La Nacion. He was reportedly stationed near the players’ entrance, when he spotted his chance to get Messi’s signature. Salamanca reportedly had an Argentina shirt tucked under his janitor’s uniform ready to go. When Salamanca saw Messi leave the bus, he took his chance and secured the superstar’s autograph, per the Daily Mail.
“I had to clean the bathrooms in the sector where the buses park. Fortunately, I was out there when the bus arrived and all the players got out. The last one was Messi,” Salamanca told La Nacion.
DRV PNK Stadium reportedly warned staff to remain professional and not ask for Messi’s autograph, per the Daily Mail. You would think getting fired from your job on your first day would be upsetting, but Salamanca seems to have no regrets. (RELATED: LMAO! Superstar Athlete Gets Randomly Kissed By Some Guy And It’s An Hilariously Awkward Must Watch)
“He gave me his autograph. Security came right away, they took me out and fired me from my job, but it was worth every second!”
Inter Miami beat Orlando City SC to continue to the round of 16 in the Leagues Cup, according to Yahoo Sports.
Messi has scored five goals in three games since he joined Inter Miami. It’s no surprise people are lining up to get his signature, even if it costs them their jobs.