When Benjamin Cremaschi first laced up his boots as a child in Miami, he could never have imagined that one day he would share a locker room—and the field—with Lionel Messi, the player he idolized growing up.

Now, at just 18 years old, Cremaschi finds himself living out the dreams of countless young footballers, playing alongside the man many consider the greatest of all time.

His journey from local prospect to professional teammate of Messi is not just a testament to his talent, but also to the power of dreams, hard work, and the enduring magic of football.

In a candid interview on CBS Golazo, Cremaschi opened up about the unforgettable moment he first met Messi and how that experience continues to shape his young career.

“I grew up watching him play,” Cremaschi said, his eyes lighting up with genuine excitement.

“He was always my idol.

Not just because of how good he is at football, but because of how he carries himself, how he treats people, and the way he always puts the team first.”

The anticipation had been building for weeks after news broke that Messi would be joining Inter Miami.

For Cremaschi, the idea of sharing a pitch with the Argentine legend was thrilling, but it didn’t truly hit him until the moment Messi walked into the locker room.

“I wasn’t really nervous at first, but when I saw him walk into the locker room, I was really nervous,” he admitted.

“Obviously, shaking his hand, he was someone that I had looked up to and grew up watching, an idol for a lot of kids.

That was a nerve-wracking moment, but I’ll cherish it forever.”

Cremaschi’s recollection of the moment is vivid and relatable.

“It was crazy.

I remember before I walked into the locker room, I saw him walk in, and I was texting my family, ‘Oh my god, he’s right in front of me.

’” For a young player who had spent his formative years watching Messi’s highlight reels and mimicking his moves on local pitches, the experience was nothing short of surreal.

Since Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in July 2023, the club has undergone a transformation.

The Argentine’s debut—a dramatic free-kick winner against Cruz Azul—instantly elevated the team’s profile and set the tone for what was to come.

Inter Miami’s run to their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, was powered by Messi’s brilliance, but it also provided a platform for young talents like Cremaschi to shine.

For Cremaschi, the presence of Messi has been a source of both inspiration and education.

“He’s not just an incredible player; he’s also a great person,” Cremaschi noted.

“He’s always positive, always encouraging, and he makes everyone around him better.

The atmosphere in the team is so much better with him here.”

Despite the whirlwind of attention and the pressure that comes with playing alongside a global icon, Cremaschi has managed to stay grounded.

He credits his family, his coaches, and the club’s support staff for helping him navigate the challenges of professional football.

“I grew up in Miami, so it is obviously an amazing feeling, and now I share a locker room with Messi,” he said, still sounding a bit awestruck by the reality of his situation.

The past year has been a rollercoaster for Cremaschi, filled with moments of joy, learning, and personal growth.

“It’s been ridiculous, honestly.

Amazing.

I’ve learned so much, not just from Messi, but from all the experienced players on the team.

Every day is a new opportunity to get better.”

While Cremaschi is still carving out his own identity within the squad, he is keenly aware of the unique opportunity he has been given.

He laughs when asked if he and Messi are close friends yet: “I don’t have him in my contacts, but he is in a group chat that we have as a team.

So, if I ever need anything, I can reach out there.

” It’s a humble response that reflects both his respect for Messi and his understanding of the dynamics within a star-studded locker room.

Cremaschi’s journey is emblematic of a new generation of American soccer players who are benefiting from the growth and globalization of Major League Soccer.

Born and raised in Miami, with Argentine roots, he embodies the multicultural spirit of both the city and the league.

His dual eligibility for the United States and Argentina at the international level only adds to the intrigue surrounding his future.

As he continues to develop, Cremaschi is focused on making the most of every opportunity, both on and off the pitch.

He is quick to acknowledge the lessons he has learned from Messi—not just about football, but about life.

“The thing that stands out to me the most is his humility and his dedication.

He’s always the first one in, last one out.

He treats everyone with respect, no matter who they are.

That’s something I want to emulate in my own career.”

Messi’s influence on Inter Miami extends far beyond goals and assists.

He has helped foster a culture of professionalism and excellence that is rubbing off on the club’s younger players.

For Cremaschi, training alongside Messi and other veterans like Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets has accelerated his development in ways he could never have imagined.

“You learn something new every day.

Whether it’s a small detail in training or a conversation in the locker room, it all adds up.”

The support from fans has also played a crucial role in Cremaschi’s journey.

Miami’s passionate supporters have embraced him as one of their own, and he feels a deep sense of responsibility to represent the city with pride.

“It’s special to play for your hometown club,” he said.

“The fans have been amazing.

They push us to be better, and I want to give everything for them.”

As the MLS season progresses, all eyes will be on Cremaschi and his continued development.

The challenges ahead are significant—maintaining form, competing for a starting spot, and balancing the expectations that come with being a young star in a team of legends.

But if his attitude and work ethic are any indication, Cremaschi is more than ready for the task.

Looking ahead, Cremaschi is optimistic about the future.

He is excited by the prospect of contributing to Inter Miami’s success and continuing to grow as a player.

“There’s still so much I want to achieve.

Playing with Messi has been a dream come true, but I want to keep improving, keep learning, and help the team win more trophies.”

The bond he shares with Messi—however indirect—will undoubtedly shape his career.

The lessons he learns now, in the company of greatness, will serve him well for years to come.

For young athletes everywhere, Cremaschi’s story is a powerful reminder that dreams do come true, and that with hard work, humility, and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.

As Cremaschi steps onto the field for each match, he carries with him the memories of that first handshake, the nerves, the excitement, and the realization that he is living out his childhood fantasy.

With every pass, every tackle, and every goal, he moves closer to forging his own legacy—one built on the foundation of inspiration, dedication, and the enduring power of football.

The future is bright for Benjamin Cremaschi.

As he continues to embrace this incredible journey, fans in Miami and around the world will be cheering him on every step of the way.

And somewhere in the stands, or perhaps on the pitch beside him, his idol—now a teammate—will be watching too, proud to play a part in the rise of the next generation.