Marco Antonio “Gato” Ortiz, whose professional career has brought both success and controversy, couldn't remain silent when receiving the renewal of his FIFA international badge this Friday, telling his detractors to keep barking.

Ortiz stirred up controversy once again with a post on his social media after receiving his FIFA 2026 badge along with 53 other referees, which will allow them to officiate matches in Liga MX, as well as in Concacaf and other FIFA confederations.

Ortiz received this distinction of his FIFA international badge for the first time in 8 years as part of the group of 53 referees that includes, among others, Katia Itzel Garcia, Daniel Quintero Huitron, and Victor Alfonso Caceres, Fernando Hernandez, Ismael Lopez Penuelas, Rafael Lopez Valle. But what drew the most attention after the ceremony was the message posted on his official Instagram account, using a quote from former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill: “You will never reach your destination if you stop to throw stones at every barking dog,” which accompanied images of several of his fellow referees and the Mexican football commissioner, Mikel Arriola. The most surprising thing about it is that despite the ability he has shown in Liga MX, Ortiz is not being considered to participate in the next World Cup, an honor that will once again go to Cesar Ramos. This decision has generated displeasure in "El Gato" Ortiz, who, as a form of protest, has used 2026 World Cup keychains and the official Trionda ball. According to former international referee Fernando "Cantante" Guerrero, in several posts on the social network X, these messages show Ortiz's displeasure and rejection of the decision not to consider him for the tournament. World Cup player.

“It's normal that FIFA referee Marco “Gato” Ortiz is showing his displeasure at not being on the list of candidates for the 2026 World Cup by displaying those World Cup keychains,” wrote the so-called “Singer,” currently an analyst for the TUDN network.

Guerrero also pointed out that the referees appointed don't depend on their qualities, but on recommendations: "His on-field statistics and achievements in Liga BBVA MX and Concacaf are very good. Just another example that for years the best referees haven't gone to the World Cups. Those who are recommended go."