INTER MIAMI
Inter Miami sign Santiago Morales, son of assistant coach Javier
The 16-year-old midfielder spoke to reporters after agreeing a deal at DRV PNK Stadium, where his MLS legend father is currently coaching.
Inter Miami have confirmed the signing of 16-year-old academy product Santiago Morales on a Homegrown Player contract.
Morales is the son of former MLS All-Star and current Miami assistant coach Javier Morales. The young midfielder joined the club in 2019 and has signed a deal through 2027, with the option to extend for a further year.
Speaking to reporters after agreeing the deal, Morales said that signing a professional contract was “a dream I have had ever since I can remember.”
He continued: “I’m an attacking midfielder, I like to score goals and give assists. I’m always willing to give 100% for the team.
Santiago Morales thrilled to be joining up with Lionel Messi
It could still be some time before Morales makes his first MLS appearance for the team but he is expected to start training with the Inter Miami senior side in the coming weeks. This brings the chance to work alongside Lionel Messi, a thrilling proposition for the young attacker.
“It’s amazing, Messi is someone that we probably all admire and hopefully one day I get to play alongside him,” Morales said.
The 16-year-old may well be looking at the progression made by Benjamin Cremaschi since Messi’s arrival in Miami. Cremaschi is just two years older that Morales and was playing for Inter Miami II last year, but was pushed up to the senior team this season.
Cremaschi, who is of Argentinian descent, has built a strong on-field relationship with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and was rewarded with a place in the USMNT squad for the recent international fixtures.
Who is Santiago Morales’ dad?
Santiago joins the MLS side where his father, Javier Morales, is currently employed as assistant coach, after briefing serving as interim head coach before the arrival of Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
Morales Senior enjoyed a 19-year professional career that began in his homeland of Argentina, before a brief spell in Spain and a decade of playing in the United States. Santiago Morales was born during his father’s stint in Europe.
He won the MLS Cup with Real Salt Lake in 2009 and was twice included in the MLS All-Star squad, making the Best XI in 2010. The younger Morales revealed that his father had given him some simple advice upon signing for Inter Miami.
“Just to keep working, to keep focusing on what I can control and what I can do. But just telling me to keep going,” the 16-year-old explained.
If you want to watch or stream Messi and Miami’s next MLS fixture, check out Atlanta United vs Inter Miami: how to watch.