Not Luis Suarez or Sergio Busquets, the Inter Miami Star Lionel Messi ‘Loves’ Playing Alongside Revealed by MLS Expert

Lionel Messi has adapted to life in Miami like a duck to water. A key part of the smooth transition has been the presence of the ‘Barca trio’. Following Messi, Alba, Busquets, and Suarez also made the switch to the Herons. Besides being great friends, the quartet has a telepathic chemistry on the pitch. This has gifted the Herons many a point. Yet, in a shocking twist, none of them is Messi’s favorite teammate per an MLS expert.

That honor goes to American midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi. According to Matt Doyle, Lionel Messi enjoys his plays with the 19-year-old. On the MLS Extratime podcast, Doyle added that Cremaschi was “missing something” last season. However, this season, it’s been a different story. He explained, “Then he comes right into the team after finally getting fit, and you can see he’s making all the little connective-tissue plays around the box that make you go ‘oh yeah, this is what Tata is seeing, this is what Messi’s seeing.’ Messi apparently loves the kid.”

Unfortunately, for Lionel Messi, he hasn’t gotten the chance to play much with the teenage star. In January, Cremaschi had a Hernia surgery that resulted in him missing months of action. But, he has impressed many since his return and even scored a goal against the New England Revolution. Moreover, Cremaschi also stated that playing with the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner wasn’t easy! However, Messi is always helping him, which makes the process easier.

Notably, this is not the first time, Messi has taken an interest in the 19-year-old.

Lionel Messi wanted Cremaschi to snub the USMNT for Argentina!

Benjamin Cremaschi is eligible to represent both Argentina and the USA on an international level. Although born in the United States, the midfielder has Argentine ancestry. In fact, his father Pablo represented the Argentine Rugby team on an international level. Yet, Lionel Messi wants to see the starlet light it up for La Albiceleste. Cremaschi revealed a conversation he had with the Miami captain last year regarding the same. The youngster said, “I’ve spoken about it with Messi. He has asked me and I love Argentina.”

For Cremaschi, this was not an easy decision. He added, “I’ve been in contact with both federations & I know it’s a decision I eventually have to make but there’s time.” However, nearly a year has passed and it’s time for the Olympic Squads to be announced. The latest story is that Cremaschi is leaning toward choosing the USMNT. Could the easier selection route to the USMNT starting XI have influenced his decision? Let us know your thoughts below.