Benjamin Cremaschi determined to learn from “best in the world” Lionel Messi

Inter Miami may not have made it to the playoffs, but Benjamin Cremaschi insists that the team are still working hard as they prepare for next season.

On Friday they host New York City FC in a friendly match to celebrate Lionel Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or win. The Game, named ‘Noche d’Or’, is expected to be Miami’s final fixture of 2023.

Ahead of the Game, Cremaschi told reporters that the team are still looking to improve after a tumultuous year in Miami.

“This Game [against NYCFC] we’re just going to keep on building, building towards what we’re trying to do next year,” he said.

“Since the season’s ended we’re maintained good energy, we still want to compete and want to improve... The vibes are good, we’re happy and we’re ready to compete.”

Cremaschi learning from Messi, Busquets and Jordi Alba

He is still only 18 years old, but Cremaschi has already experienced a lot in his young career. He made his professional debut in February for an Inter Miami team that languished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference for the first half of the season.

That all changed over the summer with the arrival of Lionel Messi and the team’s form was transformed immediately. Cremaschi and Messi have formed a close relationship, both on and off the field, and the youngster is full of praise for the Argentinian World Cup winner.

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“He is the best player in the world and he is humble,” Cremachi said. “He’s a very good person and I will learn a lot from the person that he is.”

“And obviously I try to learn everything in terms of the game from him. Everything that he, [Sergio] Busquets, Jordi [Alba] do I’m trying to learn from these three players who have played at the very highest level.”

Cremaschi and Inter Miami “just getting started”

When he signed his first professional contract one year ago, Cremaschi could scarcely have believed the progress that he would make in the first season of his career.

He has established himself as a regular starter in Miami and has even received international recognition for USMNT. After a shaky start Inter Miami went on to lift the Leagues Cup in August, the club’s first piece of silverware.

Their poor start to the season ensured that they failed to make the playoffs, but Cremaschi is optimistic about the future.

“It’s been a crazy year, a crazy start to my career and it’s amazing how everything has turned out,” he said.

“The opportunities that I’ve had with the national team and playing right next to the best player in the world has been a dream. And it’s only just started.”