It’s been a remarkable season for Benjamin Cremaschi and his Inter Miami CF teammates. From being a kid playing locally in the MLS club’s youth academy to playing alongside Lionel Messi, this 19-year-old from Key Biscayne has shown amazing progress in such a short time.
Last month, Cremaschi signed an MLS contract extension through the 2027 season with Inter Miami, and the club also holds an option for 2028. The developing star is currently in his second season in the MLS after signing his first professional contract, becoming the fifth Inter Miami CF Academy product to make the franchise’s First Club.
“Benja is a great homegrown success story for our development pathway, and we are thrilled to further our mutual commitment in the years to come,” Inter Miami’s chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said last month. “His future is extremely bright, and we’re looking forward to his continued contributions to Inter Miami CF.”
Cremaschi rapidly ascended from the academy to be one of the top midfielders in the MLS. The Florida native has quickly established himself as an essential player for the club, and just finished a season in which he totaled six goals and six assists. He has been a key figure for the club as he contributed to winning last year’s Leagues Cup, the team’s first-ever title, finishing with a goal and an assist in that tournament.
“Winning the Leagues Cup with Leo was a huge moment, obviously for me, this was my first championship. … This was a beautiful moment because my family could meet Leo, and we could celebrate together,” Cremaschi said last month, discussing the favorite moment of his career.
He didn’t stop there. Cremaschi was also part of the team’s success this season when it won the MLS Supporters’ Shield, given to the top regular-season team. The team also broke the MLS points record with 74. But now, Cremaschi and his teammates are focused on the playoffs and securing the club’s first-ever MLS Cup.
“This is important, everything that we add to the club is important,” Cremaschi said. “We had an amazing season, and we still have one more goal. But, well, (we’re) very happy with everything that we have achieved.”
He’s done all of this as one of the youngest players on the club, lining up next to some of the best players in the entire world such as Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba.
“Yes, it’s crazy to be able to play with him and the other players, and he is a reference, the best in the world in history,” Cremaschi said in speaking glowingly about Messi. “So, being able to see him, to talk to him … He is the best in the world.”
Cremaschi also talked highly about Busquets, a key, international figure to look up to, and someone who plays the same position as him.
“Yes, when I have a doubt, I will ask him any question, he is obviously very open to teaching, to give his word and say what he thinks,” Cremaschi said. “Obviously, having him there, not only to talk, but to watch him play, is a pleasure. I try to see everything and absorb everything to learn.”
Cremaschi has remarkably gained attention on the international stage, as well, especially since he was named to the United States Men’s National Team. He plays an important role in representing his country in competitions, and was the youngest member of Team USA’s roster in the Paris Olympic Games this summer. He’s also participating in the Under-19 MYNT Slovenia Nation Cup.
When asked last month about playing overseas, after he signed his new deal, the rising star told reporters he envisions himself playing in Europe.
“Yes, going to Europe is something that I have planned in the future,” he said. “Obviously, I have learned a lot, and I’m still learning. I’m trying to take in everything they do and teach so I can grow as a player. Maybe in a year or two I can go, but we’ll see. I don’t know yet.”
Even though the playoffs are what the team is focused on right now, Inter Miami also qualified for the FIFA World Club Cup. This will be the biggest championship for a club and for a 19-year-old participating, this is also remarkable.
“It’s nice, the truth is it’s difficult to understand it, since it is a really big tournament,” he said about the qualification for Inter Miami. “But we are happy to be there and really want to compete.
Cremaschi and Inter Miami will begin their playoff run on Friday at Chase Stadium, when they welcome Atlanta United FC to begin their round-one, best-of-three series.
