Lionel Messi’s influence on Major League Soccer (MLS) has left USMNT manager Greg Berhalter thoroughly impressed. The Argentine sensation’s on-field brilliance for The Herons has captured the attention of the United States.
Messi’s contributions have been instrumental in guiding Miami to victory in the League Cup, and he has amassed an impressive record of 11 goals and three assists in just 10 appearances across various competitions, including the MLS.
Berhalter commended the owners of Inter Miami for successfully attracting the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to the USA. He expressed his pleasant surprise at witnessing the significant impact Messi has had on the top-tier soccer scene in America.
“It’s been amazing exposure. … Overall, it’s just blown me away by the impact that Lionel Messi can have. And not only him but when you bring (Sergio) Busquets and (Jordi) Alba into it, how it can translate onto the field,” he added.
After witnessing Inter Miami’s triumph in the Leagues Cup final, Greg Berhalter, the USMNT manager, made a significant decision.
Following Inter Miami’s victory over Nashville, Berhalter included both Drake Callender and midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi in the upcoming USMNT squad for friendly matches against Uzbekistan and Oman.
Cremaschi’s diligent work ethic has caught the coach’s attention, and the young midfielder’s evident progress throughout the current season has earned him a well-deserved call-up to the national team.
“It’s not only you know, post-Messi, I think even pre-Messi,” Berhalter said. “You see that he had some ability, he had a great assist in the game against D.C. United early in the year. Just a really dynamic player and a guy who gives everything on the pitch,” he said.
After drawing a blank against Nashville in the MLS, Messi would be eager to get back his scoring boots against LAFC on Sunday evening in the competition.