Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammate impressing in first USMNT camp

By David Korn | Last updated 9/8/23

Eighteen-year-old Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi was thrust into the international spotlight when Lionel Messi joined his team. Since Messi's arrival, Cremaschi has stepped up, collecting one goal and two assists while playing a key role in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup title.

Cremaschi's strong performances earned him his first call-up to the United States Men's National Team for its September camp, where he will look to debut in matches against Uzbekistan on Saturday and Oman on Tuesday.

So far, Cremaschi has impressed his USMNT teammates in training. AC Milan star winger Christian Pulisic and Leeds center back Tim Ream both spoke about Cremaschi on Ream's "The American Dream" podcast.

Christian Pulisic is impressed by Benjamin Cremaschi pic.twitter.com/sxiVAcIBr9
— MC (@CrewsMat10) September 8, 2023

When asked which newcomer stuck out to them the most, both Pulisic and Ream agreed that it was Cremaschi.

"I really like this kid out of Miami, man," said Pulisic. "Nice kid. It’s been exciting to follow Miami recently for obvious reasons. And yeah, I like him. In the few trainings I’ve seen him, I see a lot of potential there."

"He’s looked sharp. He’s technical, not afraid to get into a tackle," said Ream. "[Cremaschi] has been the most impressive for sure in the couple of training sessions that we’ve had."

A creative, box-to-box midfielder, Cremaschi usually plays in the center of Inter Miami's midfield in their 4-3-3 formation. USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter often uses a similar formation, so Cremaschi would fit right in to his system. Cremaschi has also logged minutes as an attacker, and even at right back in a pinch.

Cremaschi has previously represented the United States at the youth level, playing for the U-19 team. Despite being born in the U.S., Cremaschi is also eligible to play for Argentina. His father was born in Argentina, and Cremaschi has participated in a training session with the Argentinian U-20 team.

Cremaschi is a rising star. It would be a huge boost to the USMNT if he commits to the program and is able to replicate some of his club performances at the international level.

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