The standout moment belonged to Lionel Messi as he prepared for a free kick in the 54th minute of the pivotal Club World Cup match. He spotted a lapse from Porto’s goalkeeper and aimed for the top corner, sending 30,000 fans to their feet and propelling Inter Miami towards the knockout stages, marking a defining moment in this new tournament.
However, this didn’t leave head coach Javier Mascherano glowing during his post-match press conference on Thursday.
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Mascherano expressed, “What else can I say about Messi? He’s the best player of all time.” Yet, his two-minute reflection focused on what Messi referred to as “the young boy.”
Messi highlighted the nerves displayed by young players Noah Allen, Ian Frey, and Benjamin Cremaschi during their first appearance in such an important competition. They faced Al Ahly, maintaining a goalless draw, and for many, their performances underscored why Miami struggled at this elite level.
But in Atlanta on Thursday, they thrived.
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Allen, 21, from Pembroke Pines, bounced back from an early error to deliver a strong performance on the left side of defense.
Cremaschi, at 20, showcased his versatility by excelling in three different positions.
Mascherano pointed out, “We played at a very high level, even against Porto’s Rodrigo Mora, who is part of a $100 million offensive duo, resulting in just one goal.” Additionally, 22-year-old Frey, after overcoming multiple injuries, successfully converted a penalty.
Ian Fray (L) and Benjamin Cremaschi (R) played a pivotal role in keeping Porto to just one goal in Thursday’s 2-1 victory. (Photo: Shaun Botterill – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
(Shaun Botterill – FIFA via Getty Images)
The trio earned impressive figures last season: $91,383, $202,216, and $125,000. Concerns were raised about their performance against elite European teams, especially after regular starters like Jordi Alba were injured due to MLS roster limitations and salary caps, hindering Inter Miami’s ability to sign superior substitutes.
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This mirrors Miami’s earlier exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup during Messi’s debut season.
Even the days leading up to this Club World Cup were filled with excuses regarding preparations.
“It’s clear that a new signing is necessary,” Mascherano remarked last Friday after the transfer window closed without any additions.
This past Wednesday, Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo discussed the league’s voluntary restrictions. Redondo noted, “For MLS to progress, we need to ease the salary cap a bit to allow for greater freedom. If we want to grow football here, we need to invest more capital, which is occurring globally.”
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This is the case with Porto, a club that regularly advances to the Champions League knockout stages. While they often sell more players than they buy, Porto has invested around $225 million in new signings since summer 2022. Despite a lackluster season, they arrived at the Club World Cup without a star player like Messi, yet their deep talent pool was expected to outmatch Miami’s aging lineup.
Instead, it was Miami that lifted their game on that day. As Mascherano explained, Miami demonstrated resilience and were able to maintain possession while dictating play. Midfielder Terrace Cosegovia equalized, and Messi took charge of both the ball and the game for a span of 10-15 minutes after scoring.
Mascherano praised the cohesiveness of the team, noting that all 11 players were involved despite some having yet to establish their roles.
Cremaschi was recognized as “a player with a big heart” by Mascherano.
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This sentiment was echoed for Allen, whom the former Barcelona coach deemed “one of my favorites… a player whose style reflects the emotions I felt during my own career.”
Lastly, Frey was celebrated for the significant progress he has made this season. “He’s beginning to show seriousness and focus in his game, recognizing his exceptional abilities,” Mascherano said.
He also acknowledged the Miami Academy, emphasizing its importance. “Clubs should recognize players from their academies,” he remarked. “It’s essential to keep valuing homegrown talent. Ultimately, beyond star names, such players often illustrate the values and experiences intrinsic to the club.”
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He believes the academy is fundamental in forming a great team. Miami, established in 2019, is here at this level not merely because of recent success, but also because they can hold their own against clubs like Porto, securing a lasting legacy in Major League Soccer.
Fan Take: This match showcases the growing competitiveness of Major League Soccer as it stands toe-to-toe with European giants. With young talents shining alongside superstars like Messi, it signals an exciting future for the sport in the U.S., illustrating the potential for homegrown players to make their mark on the global stage.
