The Parma midfielder had a dream debut at the U-20 World Cup, recording three goals and two assists in the United States’ 9–1 rout of New Caledonia. He opened the scoring just after the first minute with a precise finish and added a second goal in the very next sequence, giving him two goals in under five minutes.

The scoring spree didn’t stop there. Before halftime, Cremaschi completed his hat trick and added two assists, contributing to five of the United States’ nine goals and immediately establishing himself as one of the tournament’s standout players.

However, his current brilliance contrasts with a turbulent recent past. Cremaschi’s departure from Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami remains fresh in memory, following tensions with coach Javier Mascherano and disagreements over playing decisions.

“At the time, you don’t know where you’ll play. I go to matches and have no idea what position I’ll be in. This year I covered several positions, but preparing for the one I’ll play is impossible. It’s mentally exhausting at times,” Cremaschi said during the MLS regular season.

His departure was only a matter of time after those candid remarks. Nevertheless, with 30 appearances under his belt, Cremaschi made the jump to Europe and now plays for Parma in Italy, on loan with an option to buy.

Cremaschi’s brief stint with Argentina

Beyond his current rise, Cremaschi’s story is shaped by dual national identity. Born in Miami in 2005, he grew up immersed in both U.S. culture and Argentina’s deep soccer tradition. His father, Pablo, played rugby, and his mother, Jimena Lara, also has strong Argentine roots. This cultural mix gave him a divided soccer identity, and he ultimately chose to represent the United States.

Cremaschi also had a brief involvement with Argentina’s U-20 program. In 2022, he was called into the preliminary squad for the South American U-20 Championship by Javier Mascherano. However, he did not make the final roster, a decision that played a key role in his choice to commit to the U.S. national team.

In an official statement, Inter Miami announced that the 20-year-old will join Parma Calcio 1913 on loan through June 2026. The Serie A side also secured an option to purchase Cremaschi outright, leaving his long-term future tied to his performance in Italy.

Cremaschi’s move marks the second stop of his professional career. A product of the Inter Miami Academy, he became the fifth homegrown player to sign with the senior team. Since making his first-team debut in February 2023, he registered 107 appearances across all competitions, contributing eight goals and nine assists. He played a key role in Miami’s 2023 Leagues Cup triumph and their 2024 Supporters’ Shield campaign.

But with the arrival of high-profile signings, Cremaschi gradually slipped from the starting lineup, becoming more of a rotational option. Frustrated with his lack of minutes, the young midfielder now heads to Parma in search of the playing time and responsibility he once enjoyed in Miami.

Cremaschi’s farewell message

Cremaschi, who rose through Inter Miami’s academy and spent six years with the club, took to Instagram to share an emotional farewell message, thanking fans, teammates, and staff for their support throughout his journey.

“After six years at Inter Miami, the time has come to take a new direction in my professional career. It’s not an easy decision. This club saw me grow from the Academy to the first team, shaped me as both a player and a person, and gave me the opportunity to live experiences that I will always carry with me. I am grateful to the fans for their support, to my coaches, teammates, the staff, and everyone who made this journey possible—especially the Mas and Beckham families,” Cremaschi wrote on his Instagram account.

“I leave knowing that I gave everything every day in this jersey, and with the peace of mind of having honored the role I was given. Now it’s time to face new challenges, step out of my comfort zone, and continue growing both personally and professionally. Inter Miami will always be part of my story and part of who I am. Thank you for these unforgettable years,” the 20-year-old concluded.

The transfer of Benjamin Cremaschi to Parma of Italy had already cast a shadow over the buildup to the Leagues Cup final. The move leaves Inter Miami without one of its brightest young talents at a pivotal moment in the season. The 20-year-old American-Argentine midfielder is set to join the Italian club on loan with an option to buy, according to transfer market specialist Gianluca Di Marzio.

Still, the deal had not yet been officially announced by either club at the time of the final, and Cremaschi played in the match against the Sounders. Reports indicated that the agreement was finalized just hours before kickoff, signaling a major new step in Cremaschi’s career. It also reflected both sporting ambitions and internal tension within the Miami squad.

The agreement between Inter Miami and Parma outlines a season-long loan with a purchase option set at €4.5 million ($5.26 million). Cremaschi is expected to undergo medical tests in the United States before traveling to Emilia-Romagna, where he would begin his first professional experience in European soccer.

Cremaschi’s time at Inter Miami

Cremaschi’s departure came during one of the most demanding stretches in Inter Miami’s short history. The midfielder featured in 29 matches this season across MLS, the Leagues Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. In total, he appeared in 105 official games for the club, producing eight goals and nine assists. Of those, 55 came alongside Lionel Messi, with whom he developed a strong connection in the middle of the field.

Why Parma was drawn to Cremaschi

A product of Miami’s academy system, Cremaschi established himself as a versatile midfielder who could play on either flank and provide balance next to veterans such as Sergio Busquets. His adaptability and experience with stars like Messi, Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez made him a compelling option for Parma. The Italian side had endured an uneven start to its Serie A campaign and sees Cremaschi as a player who could strengthen its rotation.

Tension behind the scenes

In the weeks leading up to his exit, Cremaschi had openly voiced frustration over limited minutes and frequent position changes. His versatility often worked against him, as he was asked to fill gaps left by injuries and suspensions rather than being given a consistent role. That uncertainty became a growing source of discontent for the midfielder.

“It frustrates me. I want to play, that’s what matters most to me. I want to compete at the highest level, and that only comes with minutes,” Cremaschi said in one interview. “I haven’t played much recently, and I don’t think it’s because of my performance. I feel good, so it must be for other reasons.”

“Sometimes I go into matches without knowing where I’ll play,” he added. “This year we’ve had several injuries and suspensions, and I’ve been moved around to different roles. It’s tough to prepare mentally when you don’t know your position, and it takes a toll.”

Against that backdrop, Cremaschi’s departure represents both a significant loss for Inter Miami and an opportunity for growth in his career. For Parma, a club that has undergone both sporting and institutional rebuilding over the last decade, the addition of Cremaschi provides a valuable asset with international potential.

The spotlight in the press conference fell on Mascherano’s reaction to Benjamin Cremaschi, who had voiced frustration about his lack of playing time and the uncertainty surrounding his role on the field.

Mascherano was asked directly about the 20-year-old’s comments, which were clearly aimed at him. The coach did not hold back, stating: “They were unfortunate because, in one way or another, when you hear those types of declarations it makes us look like we’re improvising.”

Beyond the lack of consistency, Cremaschi also questioned the clarity of his position on the pitch, saying the situation was mentally draining. Mascherano fired back sharply: “You need to have the tools to speak out. I understand what Benja wanted to say, that he has been used in different roles. But when he starts a match, he knows perfectly well where he has to play because we prepare games in detail. It’s not like I wake up in the morning and flip a coin.”

What Cremaschi said

Cremaschi made it clear he was upset about not receiving the minutes he believed he deserved, regardless of the reasons behind it. However, Mascherano’s frustration was just as obvious, especially with the way the midfielder went public with his remarks and left both the coach and squad in a difficult position.

“It frustrates me, I want to play, that’s the most important thing for me. I want to play at a very high level, and that comes with minutes. I haven’t played much in these last games. I don’t think it’s because of my level because I feel good. I imagine it’s for other reasons, or maybe because of my level,” Cremaschi had declared earlier in the week.

Mascherano’s message with a nod to Barcelona

Mascherano then referenced his own soccer career, recalling how a position change at Barcelona became a turning point. His story carried a strong message for Cremaschi and his future in the game: “In a match, different situations happen, and when you come off the bench you might have to fill one role or another depending on what’s going on and who you’re replacing,” said the former Argentina U-20 coach.

“I understand that he likes to play as a midfielder — I liked to play there too. But when I went to Barcelona, I had to play as a center back because otherwise I wouldn’t have had any chance.” Mascherano added: “This is professional soccer. I decide where I believe each player can give me the best. And as I always say, my office door is open if anyone feels uncomfortable or doesn’t want to play in a certain position. They can come and tell me directly.”

Finally, Mascherano closed with a message directed at Cremaschi: “So far, I haven’t heard any complaints face-to-face. No one has told me anything. As time goes by and he gains more experience, he will begin to understand the perspective from this side.”

Cremaschi’s versatility has been one of the main reasons Mascherano has used him in different roles, especially during stretches when Inter Miami have been hit with injuries and suspensions. That adaptability also earned him a call-up to the United States squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The first of these clips featured Toronto FC star Lorenzo Insigne, where Twellman asked the former Napoli striker whether he would prefer a seven-day cruise with Bob Bradley, whom Insigne reportedly clashed with, or teammate Federico Bernardeschi, with whom Insigne had issues.

The questions elicited laughter from the forward. Twellman then engaged in a similar exchange with Inter Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi, who also responded with humor.

Benjamin Cremaschi on how Inter Miami will win MLS Cup

During their chat, Twellman inquired about Lionel Messi’s coffee preferences. Cremaschi humorously replied, “I don’t think Messi drinks coffee, he drinks mate.”

When asked how Inter Miami plans to win the MLS Cup this season, Cremaschi’s response was straightforward: “By scoring a lot of goals, being better than everyone else, and just giving it to Messi.”

In an interview with Urbana Play 104.3 FM, the 19-year-old revealed he made the decision after asking Argentina U23s coach Javier Mascherano about his chances of making the cut for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“I haven’t spoken to (Lionel) Scaloni, I spoke with Masche,” Cremaschi said, via The Mirror. “The truth is he was very honest with me. He said he wants the best for me. It wasn’t an egotistical conversation and I’m very thankful for it . He told it to me in the best way and I understood him perfectly, so I’m leaning toward the United States.”

Cremaschi was born to Argentine parents in Miami and spent his entire life in South Florida. He admitted being interested in representing La Albiceleste, but opted to commit to the Stars and Stripes after Mascherano “made things clear.”

Both Argentina and the United States U23 teams will take part in the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. While the USMNT has been drawn into Group A alongside France, New Zealand, and the winner of a AFC-CAF playoff; the Argentine side will face Morocco, Ukraine, and an AFC team in Group B.

Messi’s presence in Paris 2024 Olympics uncertain

While Cremaschi will be waiting for Marko Mitrovic’s call to represent the USMNT U23s, it’s still uncertain whether Messi will be playing for Argentina in Paris. Let’s keep in mind that teams are allowed to include three overage players on their rosters.

“I spoke with Leo and we agreed to keep talking,” Mascherano told TyC Sports in March, via ESPN. “He has just started the season with Inter Miami and we still have some time until the Olympic Games. And we have to consider he also has the Copa America ahead this summer. It is not an easy situation.“

Messi, who will turn 37 in June, is expected to take part in the Copa America in June. An Olympic participation would give him practically no time to rest, while it would also mean Inter Miami would miss their biggest star for nearly two months.

“We have to see if he really has the energy to be there [in Paris],” Mascherano added about Messi, who helped Argentina win gold in his only Olympic participation in Beijing 2008. “It is not our intention to bother him or pressure him. We made him an invitation in advance and we gave him all the facts he needs to think about it and to talk with his club. It is not easy for him, either, to manage it with Inter Miami and the MLS and to be absent for a while. He will decide at the right time.”

The USA will host the tournament along with Mexico and Canada, in a historic edition that will include 48 national teams for the first time. The Stars and Stripes won’t need to go through the qualifying process, but they do need to arrive as strongly as possible.

Therefore, the September international break will be useful for Gregg Berhalter to start building the roster that will represent the country in front of the world. In fact, the American coach will use this window to evaluate a player who could also represent Argentina.

Benjamin Cremaschi called up by USMNT

Inter Miami youngster Benjamin Cremaschi, son of Argentine parents, was called up to the United States Men’s National Team for the September friendlies against Uzbekistan and Oman.

The 18-year-old has benetifed from Messi’s arrival in MLS, since not only it let Cremaschi improve on the field, but also get more attention from fans who didn’t use to watch Inter Miami games.

Can Benjamin Cremaschi still play for Argentina?

Benjamin Cremaschi will continue to be eligible for Argentina even if he plays for the USMNT in September because they are only friendly matches.

Where was Benjamin Cremaschi born?

Benjamin Cremaschi was born on March 2, 2005 in Miami, Florida.