Home

Soccer

“I’m Leaning Toward…” – Inter Miami Star Planning to Ditch Opportunity to Play With Lionel Messi in Argentina

Published May 1, 2024 | 7:55 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

It would be a dream for eligible soccer stars to play alongside Lionel Messi in the defending World champions-Argentina national team. However, Messi’s 19-year-old Inter Miami teammate Benjamin Cremaschi has turned his back on the defending World champions. Cremaschi, born in the United States, is of Argentine descent and is eligible to represent La Albiceleste. However, a conversation with Argentina’s Olympic coach, Javier Mascherano, has prompted the Inter Miami star to shelve his switch to the Latin American side.

“I haven’t spoken to Scaloni, I spoke with Mascherano, the truth is, he was very honest with me. He said he wanted the best for me. It wasn’t an egotistical conversation and I’m very thankful for it,” said Benjamin Cremaschi during his recent appearance on Urbana Play 104.3 FM. Later, he revealed his future decision, as Argentina’s youth team is lacing up for the Summer Olympics. “Mascherano said things very clearly. He told it to me in the best way and I understood him perfectly, so I’m leaning toward the United States,” Cremaschi added.

USA Today via Reuters

Lionel Messi’s Miami teammate had played for the USMNT in a friendly against Oman last September. Since that was a friendly, he was eligible to still represent Argentina. Arsenal superstar Declan Rice had notably started international soccer for Ireland and later became a regular in the England NT. Anyhow, the Herons notably wanted Benjamin Cremaschi to don the US team’s colors, despite the Messi link with Argentina.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Inter Miami is happy that Cresmaschi chose the US over Lionel Messi’s side

Benjamin Cremaschi started his soccer career at the Inter Miami youth academy. From there, he joined the senior team last year and was crucial for the team in 28 matches. This season, a sports hernia has kept him from pairing up with Lionel Messi in Miami’s first seven games. Anyhow, it is beyond prestigious for the David Beckham-co-owned team to have one of their players represent the American national team. Hence, Cremaschi’s allegiance to Gregg Berhlater’s side is a clear win for the Herons.

USA Today via Reuters

USWMNT’s U-23 coach, Marko Mitrovic, will be delighted to hear about Cremaschi’s recent admission. He will surely place a bullish bet on the Miami midfielder as the US team laces up for the Paris Olympics in July. Meanwhile, Leo Messi, who won’t feature for Argentina in the Olympics, will captain the side in its defense of the Copa America title in June. Having won the last World Cup, Argentina is the favorite to lift the Copa on US soil. If Messi wins in America, the ‘Messimania’ in the coming days will double itself.

Trending

Kevin De Bruyne Injury Update- Pep Guardiola Reveals Manchester City Star’s Status For West Ham Clash

Neymar’s Ex-Bruna Biancardi Spotted With $1.2 Million Necklace, Previously Worn by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Girlfriend Georgina

Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham Set to Compete With Three League One Sides for $353,000 Worth Free Agent- Reports

NWSL Salaries – How Much Do Female Soccer Stars Earn in US?

Inter Miami vs DC United: Expected Lineup, Lionel Messi Injury Update, Team News, Head-to-Head Stats, Predictions, Live Streaming & How to Watch on TV

Written by:

Krishna Prasad M

980Articles

One take at a time

Krishna Prasad is Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. Unlike others, his journey as a sports enthusiast was not colored by soccer initially. The 2006 FIFA World Cup, however, changed his perspective, as the beautiful game took up a small space in his heart.
Show More>

Edited by:

Sanchari Bhaduri