Lionel Messi’s paradise on edge? Young Inter Miami star questions Javier Mascherano’s tactics and raises eyebrows about his role
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami may be pushing for success in MLS, but not everyone in the squad is content with their role. A promising young star, known for his work rate and versatility, has voiced frustration over his lack of consistent playing time and shifting positions under head coach Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami’s own midfield talent has been dealing with a personal battle — finding stability and rhythm on the pitch. The Herons remain sixth in the Eastern Conference, with three games in hand on leaders Philadelphia Union, but discontent is brewing behind the scenes.
The Herons entered 2025 with high expectations, boasting strong home form and avoiding defeat in eight of their last ten matches. However, the club is still reeling from a 4-1 loss to Orlando City and the absence of Lionel Messi in that fixture. Saturday’s match against LA Galaxy, a team languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference, offers a chance to bounce back. But while its league position and home record look promising, individual player satisfaction tells a different story.
Young star speaks out
The player in question is Benjamín Cremaschi, a 20-year-old midfielder who has been used all over the pitch this season, from central midfield to wingback and attacking roles. Despite being an important figure for the USMNT and expected to feature prominently in the upcoming U-20 World Cup in Chile, Cremaschi has seen his minutes dwindle in recent weeks.
“I’m frustrated, I want to play,” Cremaschi told reporters on Wednesday. “I think the most important thing for me is to be at a very high level, and to get there, I need minutes and experience. I’ve played very little in these recent games, and I don’t think it’s because of my level. I feel good and imagine it’s for other reasons, but I’m going to keep trying. Hopefully, in the next month and the coming weeks, I’ll get to play a bit more. Sometimes it happens, and you have to be strong to get through those moments.”
Cremaschi has logged just 55 minutes over the Herons’ last four matches in MLS and Leagues Cup action, starting only 14 of the club’s 23 league games this season. His last start came on July 26 against Cincinnati, and he has scored one goal so far.
The versatility dilemma
One reason for the fluctuating minutes, the player admits, is his versatility. “I go to the games and I have no idea where I’m going to play,” he said. While the ability to adapt is usually an asset, constant positional changes can disrupt a player’s rhythm and confidence. Mascherano’s tactical flexibility, often shifting between different formations and roles, has left the young midfielder without a defined spot in the lineup.