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The Daily Heron: Messi apparently will miss Atlanta match — and that’s OK; Cremaschi’s cap comments; and more!

While his teammates were settling into their Atlanta hotel rooms Friday night, Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi was posting photos of a tomato and olive “pizza” — is it pizza without cheese or sauce? — back in Miami. I’m OK with that, and I’ll tell you why. And, as usual in The Daily Heron, I’ll share a few thoughts about other Inter Miami stories in the news. So, let’s go!

By Ken Garner

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi sat out Argentina’s match in Bolivia and apparently will miss the Herons’ game at Atlanta today.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi sat out Argentina’s match in Bolivia and apparently will miss the Herons’ game at Atlanta today. / Leonardo Fernandez/GettyImages
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Cremaschi should keep his international options open

Inter Miami homegrown midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi got his first U.S. Men’s National Team call-up and cap in FIFA’s September international window and even contributed to an Omani own-goal in a 3-0 U.S. win. Of course he enjoyed the experience (see the Miami Total Futbol video below), but I hope he waits as long as possible to make an international commitment.

The 18-year-old from Key Biscayne is the son of Argentinian parents and, therefore, eligible for the Argentinian national teams. Cremaschi has been called up to each team’s youth programs; the September call-up was his first for either country’s senior team but, because the Oman match was a friendly, with nothing but pride on the line, Cremaschi is not match-tied.

And he shouldn’t be, just yet. I love my country, but I also love my soccer team; for that reason, I want Cremaschi to receive the best possible training and experience. Does the USMNT, and CONCACAF, offer that? Or Argentina and CONMEBOL? Ideally, Cremaschi will get called up for a few more friendlies for each nation before he has to decide.

U.S. defender Kevin Paredes celebrates with Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi after the pair teamed up to force an on-goal against Oman.
U.S. defender Kevin Paredes celebrates with Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi after the pair teamed up to force an on-goal against Oman. / Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports

If it becomes apparent he can contribute with La Albiceleste, the choice is simple: Argentina is a three-time World Cup winner, has a global following and features some of the world’s greatest players; the U.S. is a soap opera with a toxic fan base, whose teams play in a mediocre federation, and whose best players are good, not great on the world stage.

Oh, and the greatest player of this generation — who by sheer good fortune is your teammate at Inter Miami — plays for Argentina and wants you in that pipeline. C’mon.

Whichever he chooses, it’ll be fun to watch his progress.

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