MLS
Cremaschi talks about soaking up knowledge from Messi at Inter Miami
The Inter Miami midfielder spoke to ESPN Argentina about the education he is receiving from playing alongside one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Inter Miami have high hopes for Benjamín Cremaschi. The 19-year-old, who entered the club’s youth academy in 2021, is considered one of the biggest prospects in Fort Lauderdale and has been learning the ropes from one of the game’s greats - Lionel Messi.
Little by little he is gaining more confidence after recovering from a groin injury which kept him out for nine games, including the first six of the team’s MLS campaign. The teenager, who was born in America to Argentinean parents is tipped for a bright future having been capped by the USMNT in the 4-0 friendly win against Oman last October.
Cremaschi recalls “crazy” pass from Messi
In an interview with ESPN Argentina this week, and speaking in Spanish, Cremaschi gave an account as to what it means to play alongside Argentina captain and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Leo Messi: “Obviously, right from the minute he arrived, up until today, I have been enjoying it. It’s something that doesn’t happen very often to a young player like myself. So I’m very grateful for this experience and I’m enjoying it as much I can,” the young midfielder explained.
Among the many memorable moments on the pitch playing alongside Messi, Cremaschi was asked about the one-two he played to set up the Argentine ace’s debut goal in MLS in the team’s Week 28 win at New York Red Bulls in August last year. With three defenders facing him, Messi somehow picked out Cremaschi with the outside of his boot and the teen squared the ball back to the captain for an easy tap-in.
“That pass was just crazy - even I wasn’t expecting it,” Benji said. “But I was ready to make a run in either direction. I raised my hand, signalling to him that I was free to receive the ball without knowing where he would place it. But I was alert enough to react well and when I saw where he put the ball I was able to make my run and give it back to him”.
Cremaschi: “Busi is incredible - he never loses the ball”
He continued, “Obviously, my movements out on the pitch when I play next to him, whichever side I am on, many of them are based on where he is. I have to be constantly attentive and looking at him to see what he is doing, sometimes he gives me a sign to play a high ball over the top or to drop back into midfield. Those are the kinds of conversations we have to ensure that we get the ball to him in the best possible way.
Messi isn’t the only one of Benja’s team mates who is giving him a masterclass. The young midfielder was asked who he has the best understanding with out on the field of play. “I think probably with Busquets,” he replied. “Because we play alongside each other and we are talking all the time, trying to understand each other to get the ball forward. He’s an incredible player. He never loses the ball, everything he does, he does well and he’s someone who you have to watch and appreciate what he does”.
“They (Messi, Suárez, Busquets and Alba) have played at the highest level. They are the best I have seen in this sport. So I’m literally like a sponge, soaking it all in. I try to observe everything they say to me or do, so that I can improve and help them. I didn’t miss a single Barcelona game when he was playing there,” he commented regarding the team’s experienced stars.
Cremaschi also spoke about the current Copa América tournament and with the USMNT now eliminated, he revealed the team who he would like to see lifting the trophy from the Hard Rock Stadium next Sunday: “Argentina always has to be a candidate. At the end of the day they are champions of the world and won the last Copa América, so I hope they can go as far as possible and even win it.”
Cremaschi on the Olympic Games
Having been born in the United States to Argentine parents, Las Garzas’ No.30 had the option of playing with both nations in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games selection process: “I I had a very small conversation with Mascherano, my representative spoke more. The conversation was quite healthy, we understood each other perfectly.
“I think that the United States is giving me a great opportunity to be able to represent a country in the Olympics. They haven’t given the list yet, but I’m looking forward to being taken. The decision was not easy, the truth is it took me months because it is a complicated decision. One day I sat down with my father, we put the points on the table and we ended with that conclusion,” he explained about the decision he made on who to represent at the international level.
Cremaschi and Inter Miami are next in action on Saturday as the MLS hits Week 24. The Herons have a tough trip to face their nearest rivals Cincinnati at TQL stadium. Cincinnati are two points behind Martino’s men with a game in hand. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. EDT / 4:30 p.m. PDT.