Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi explained the positive impact that players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are having on the relatively young Herons squad.
While Messi has received most of the praise from fans after his performances at his new club, Cremaschi is a player that may be going under the radar.
The 18-year-old has shown he can take on roles that are asked of him - whether it be playing in a midfield three or playing upfront alongside Messi. After starting the game against FC Dallas on the bench, the youngster made an instant impact by scoring within minutes to help Miami eventually tie the game as normal time expired.
Cremaschi also converted his penalty kick in the shootout, which was the decisive kick that sent the Herons through to the Leagues Cup quarter-finals to face Charlotte FC.
"The team is looking very good, very united, with a lot of positive energy," Cremaschi said.
"We’re starting to feel what it’s like to win and what it looks like to be able to fight to win a first trophy for this club," he added.
While Miami are favorites to advance in the competition past Charlotte, Cremaschi knows that they shouldn't be underestimated and that his team will have to put in a strong performance to qualify for the semi-finals.
"They’re a tough team, they press really well. We have to find the spaces to confuse them and to break them down ... We have to expect the best from them."
Josef Martinez echoed Cremaschi's teammates, explaining that they want to keep their Leagues Cup dream alive in order to make their supporters proud.
"Hopefully we can achieve things," Martinez said. "At the end of the day, it's what the fans and we want."
The Herons' Leagues Cup quarter-final showdown takes place on August 11 at DRV PNK Stadium, with the game beckoning for Messi to steal the show once again.
Sign up now for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV to watch all the action from the 2023 Major League Soccer season. Click here to subscribe!
This article was originally published on 90min as Benjamin Cremaschi: 'Positive energy' within Inter Miami squad with Messi's arrival.
