'We try to absorb everything' - USMNT hopeful Benjamin Cremaschi opens up on what it's like to play with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has made a remarkable impact in the United States since completing a stunning move to Florida as a free agent. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has already helped Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory, with 10 goals recorded through seven appearances in that competition, and has now seen them into the final of the U.S. Open Cup.

Cremaschi – the Miami-born teenager who is of Argentine descent – is among those to have benefited from having Messi by his side, with the youngster telling CBS Sports of learning from the greatest of all-time: “Messi tries to help us young guys, to understand what they need. We just try to absorb everything that he says because obviously he is the best player in the world. We are living the dream here, I’m enjoying it. I know when I go out there I have to kill it, but I’m living a huge dream.”

Cremaschi was on target for Inter Miami in their thrilling U.S. Open Cup semi-final win over FC Cincinnati, as they prevailed on penalties following a 3-3 draw, and he is hoping to taking his game to even greater heights after seeing a senior call-up to the USMNT squad speculated on. He added: “It’s been a long four weeks and it’s been a long year before now. It’s passed very fast, but it’s very physically and mentally demanding. Sometimes I sit down and really think about the position that I’m in. It’s incredible. I never believed that I’m going to be in a spot like I am today. I know that I just have to keep on working for more.”

Inter Miami will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to the New York Red Bulls, with Messi and Co. turning their attention to MLS matters as the most ambitious of outfits seeks to lift itself off the foot of the Eastern Conference.