Lionel Messi Parts Ways with Another Inter Miami Teammate Following 2025 Leagues Cup Final Loss to Sounders

Lionel Messi missed out on adding another Leagues Cup trophy to his collection as Inter Miami lost 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders in this year’s final. Shortly after this disappointment, the club announced that a young midfielder would be leaving.

Inter Miami revealed that 20-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi has been loaned to Serie A team Parma Calcio 1913 until June 2026. The agreement includes an option for Parma to buy the player.

“Inter Miami CF has loaned Homegrown Player Benjamin Cremaschi to Italian Serie A side Parma Calcio 1913 until June 2026. Parma will also have an option to purchase the midfielder,” the club’s statement said.

Cremaschi joined Inter’s academy in 2021, moving up through the U-17 and reserve teams before debuting with the first team in February 2023. He played a vital role alongside Messi in Inter Miami’s journey to win the 2023 Leagues Cup and later contributed to their 2024 Supporters’ Shield campaign.

Cremaschi has appeared in a total of 107 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists, and leaves as a two-time trophy winner in Miami’s brief history.

Cremaschi’s concerns about playing time

In August, Cremaschi shared his frustration regarding the lack of playing time under head coach Javier Mascherano. He noted that being moved across various positions without preparation affected his performance.

“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; I feel good. I imagine it’s for other reasons, or maybe because of my level,” Cremaschi said.

“Right now you don’t know which position you’ll play. I go into matches not knowing where I’ll be. This year we’ve had several injuries and suspensions, so I’ve had to cover different roles, but preparing for the position is impossible. It’s mentally tough sometimes,” he added.

Mascherano responds to Cremaschi

After Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy on August 16, where Lionel Messi excelled with two goals, Javier Mascherano addressed Cremaschi’s remarks.

“They were unfortunate because, in one way or another, when you hear those types of statements, it makes us look like we’re improvising,” Mascherano stated. “You need to have the tools to speak out. I understand what Benja wanted to say regarding his use in different roles. But when he starts a match, he knows perfectly well where he has to play because we prepare in detail. It’s not like I wake up in the morning and flip a coin.”