Inter Miami come off a big 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy, with Lionel Messi once again the centerpiece of the performance. But the postgame focus quickly shifted from the victory to a heated response coach Javier Mascherano delivered to one of his players.
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.”
Head coach Javier Mascherano of Inter Miami CF looks on from the bench before a preseason friendly match against America at Allegiant Stadium.
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.
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“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.”
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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.
