Benjamin Cremaschi, a promising young talent at Inter Miami, recently shared his unforgettable experience of meeting his idol, Lionel Messi, for the first time.

The 18-year-old midfielder has been making waves in Major League Soccer, but nothing could prepare him for the moment he encountered the football legend.

In a candid interview on the CBS Golazo show, Cremaschi revealed the sheer excitement and nervousness he felt upon meeting Messi, a player he has admired for years.

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

He recounted how he had always looked up to Messi, not just as a phenomenal athlete but as a symbol of excellence in soccer.

When the news broke that Messi would be joining Inter Miami, Cremaschi was thrilled yet calm about the prospect of playing alongside the Argentine superstar.

However, everything changed when he first laid eyes on Messi in 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.

The moment was surreal for Cremaschi, who described shaking hands with Messi as a life-altering experience.

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

It was a “nerve-wracking moment” that he will cherish forever.

Cremaschi vividly remembers the excitement of seeing Messi at the team facility before they met face-to-face.

“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,’” he recalled with a smile.

This kind of starstruck admiration is something many athletes experience when meeting their heroes, but for Cremaschi, it was particularly special.

Since Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami, Cremaschi has had the unique opportunity to not only share the field with him but also engage in day-to-day interactions.

For a young player who grew up in Miami and idolized Messi, this experience is nothing short of a dream come true.

Messi made his debut for Inter Miami on July 21, 2023, in a match against Liga MX’s Cruz Azul, where he scored a stunning free-kick goal that secured a 2-1 victory for his new team.

The impact Messi has had on the club has been profound, helping Inter Miami lift its first trophy in franchise history by winning the Leagues Cup.

Cremaschi has witnessed firsthand the influence Messi brings to the team, both on and off the pitch.

“He’s not just an incredible player; he’s also a great person,” Cremaschi noted, highlighting the positive atmosphere Messi fosters within the team.

Despite the whirlwind of events surrounding Messi’s arrival, Cremaschi remains grounded and focused on his own development as a player.

He acknowledges the pressure that comes with sharing the locker room with a global icon but sees it as an opportunity for growth.

Cremaschi stated, “I grew up in Miami, so it is obviously an amazing feeling, and now I share a locker room with Messi.”

The young midfielder described the past year as “ridiculous” and “amazing,” expressing gratitude for the experiences he has had in his first professional season.

While Cremaschi is still establishing his own identity within the team, he is aware that he has a long way to go before becoming close friends with Messi.

“I don’t have him in my contacts, but he is in a group chat that we have as a team,” he explained.

This connection, albeit indirect, gives him the confidence to reach out if needed.

Cremaschi’s journey is not just about playing alongside Messi; it’s also about representing a new generation of soccer players who aspire to greatness.

He is eligible to represent either Argentina or the United States internationally, adding another layer of excitement to his career.

As he navigates the early stages of his professional life, Cremaschi is focused on making the most of every opportunity.

He understands the importance of learning from seasoned players like Messi and hopes to absorb as much knowledge as he can.

Cremaschi’s admiration for Messi goes beyond soccer; he recognizes the values Messi embodies, such as humility, dedication, and hard work.

These qualities resonate deeply with the young player, who aims to emulate them as he forges his own path in the sport.

As Cremaschi reflects on the surreal moments he has experienced since joining Inter Miami, he remains optimistic about the future.

He is excited about the prospect of continuing to grow as a player and contributing to the team’s success in the coming seasons.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Cremaschi is ready to embrace them, knowing that he has the support of his teammates and fans.

The bond he shares with Messi is one that will undoubtedly shape his career, and he is determined to make the most of this unique opportunity.

As the MLS season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate watching Cremaschi develop alongside Messi and the rest of the Inter Miami squad.

Their journey together is just beginning, and the potential for greatness is limitless.

Cremaschi’s story is a reminder of the power of dreams and the importance of hard work and perseverance.

For young athletes everywhere, his experience with Messi serves as an inspiration to pursue their passions relentlessly.

As he continues to navigate the world of professional soccer, Benjamin Cremaschi is poised to make his mark, fueled by the memories of meeting his idol and the lessons learned from one of the greatest players of all time.

With each match, he steps closer to realizing his own dreams while sharing the field with the legend he once idolized.

The future is bright for Cremaschi, and as he embraces this incredible journey, fans around the world will be cheering him on every step of the way.