USMNT hopeful Benjamin Cremaschi explains what it is like to meet Lionel Messi for the first time after being paired with Argentine superstar at Inter Miami

That stunning deal was put in place by Manchester United legend David Beckham and the Herons board, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner lured to America after becoming a free agent at Paris Saint-Germain. Messi has become the biggest draw in MLS, with every game that he graces sparking a scramble for tickets.

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Messi made an immediate impact in Florida, as he savoured Leagues Cup glory, and was considered to be in MVP contention this term before suffering an ankle injury in the 2024 Copa America final. He is still working his way back from that ailment.

Cremaschi and Co have grown accustomed to sharing a dressing room with the South American GOAT, but the USMNT hopeful has told the Player/Manager podcast of becoming a team-mate of Messi: “Seeing him for the first time is something different. That’s when you really understand that you’re going to be playing with the guy that you’ve watched your entire life and that you’ve admired, and seeing how great of a guy he is and everything is something you don’t expect. It’s been great, it’s amazing to be surrounded by these players, not just him, but the rest of them.”

Messi has been joined at Chase Stadium by fellow former Barcelona stars Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The 37-year-old World Cup winner is hoping to be back in action soon, as he looks to add MLS Cup honours to a record-breaking haul of 45 major trophies.