Benjamín Cremaschi is an 18-year-old talent who made his first-team debut with Inter Miami CF back in March of his year, and now finds himself combining with Lionel Messi at Leagues Cup 2023. He has earned a regular starting spot in the last few weeks, and remains in the team sheet in spite of the host of new stars arriving in Florida. Cremaschi was born in the United States but has Argentinian roots, meaning he’ll have to decide between the two national teams. Here’s a rundown of his career so far, as he prepares to take the field again alongside Messi.
The midfielder was born in Miami on March 2, 2005. The 18-year-old is the son of Pablo Cremaschi, a former rugby player who played for Argentina between 1992 and 1995. Two of his three brothers were born in the South American country, with everyone in the family holding dual citizenship.
Cremaschi was called up to the Albiceleste U20 squad led by Javier Mascherano last December, but he didn’t make the final cut for the World Cup for that age category, which took place in May of this year. As a result, he missed out on what would have been a first appearance representing his parents’ country of origin.
In November of 2022, Cremaschi signed his first professional contract. He had led the U17 side - who are managed by Federico Higuaín, the brother of former Inter Miami CF striker Gonzalo Higuaín - to victory in the Generation Cup, and was then named in the MLS NEXT All-Star team.
He also put in stand-out performances for the United States youth teams. He was part of the U19 set-up for most of the 2022 season, and at the end of the year was invited to play with the U20 team as they took on the senior side as part of the latter’s World Cup 2022 preparation.
Cremaschi saw offers come in from various clubs, but he put his faith in Inter Miami CF and stayed - a decision that so far has paid dividends.
On signing the contract that ties him to his formative club until 2025, he explained his decision to stay: “I had opportunities to go elsewhere but nothing convinced me,” Cremaschi told ASN. “I didn't want to leave my city. It's honestly an honor being able to represent Inter Miami, MLS, and everything. It's been great joining the club, passing through the academy, and having these experiences… It's just something that as a kid I hoped for and it finally came”, he told American Soccer Now.
Cresmaschi made his first-team debut back in March of this year, during a 1-0 defeat to New York City FC.
The midfielder has lived in Miami for his whole life, but his parents are from the Argentinian city of Mendoza. He grew up in South Florida, but was immersed in his family’s culture, and Spanish is his first language. As a child, he would go back to Argentina twice a year to visit his family, and the last time he went there was back in December to take part in the celebrations that followed the Albiceleste’s World Cup victory.
In the days leading up to Leagues Cup 2023, as he began training alongside Lionel Messi, Cremaschi took stock: “I’ve always dreamed of playing alongside someone like Leo, but the truth is that everything’s happened so quickly and I can’t believe it. I was a bit nervous to start with, but Messi is a good guy and we had a nice conversation to get to know each other. It was impressive.”
In an interview with TyC Sports, he added: “Miami is a beautiful place. It’s a place you can enjoy; obviously we have to start winning and with Messi we’ll be able to do it. He’s come to a place where he’ll be able to compete, and be able to find some peace as well.”
Now, Cremaschi has an important decision to make: both Argentina and the United States are interested in his talents. He’ll continue to shine as he plays alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. It’s been a year full of surprises for the player who’s now claimed a regular starting spot in a team that could potentially win it all. Has a star been born in Florida?
