Inter Miami midfielder David Ruiz has reportedly snubbed the Honduran National Team in favor of potentially representing the United States, according to a report from Diario Diez.
This alleged decision comes one day before an important CONCACAF Nations League match against Cuba.
At only 19 years old, Ruiz has already earned two senior caps for Los Catrachos. Ruiz, born and raised in the US to Honduran parents, has played for Honduran youth teams in the past.
If the teenager decides to play for Honduras in the Nations League, he would be permanently cap-tied to the country.
Honduran National Team general manager Luis Breve had this to say when asked about Ruiz’s absence: “I have tried [calling Ruiz] but unfortunately I have not had a response from him.”
According to Deporte Total USA, Ruiz’s agent, Pedro Nery, claimed that the youngster opted out of international duty due to a stomach bug.
Ruiz burst onto the scene this year with his play at Inter Miami. The technically gifted midfielder is versatile and comfortable playing through the middle as well as on the wings.
Switch to the States?
Ruiz joined Inter Miami’s Academy in 2021 where he quickly shot up the ranks. On April 28th, he signed a first-team deal with the club and has since contributed meaningful minutes throughout the year.
It’s apparent that Ruiz has plenty of talent. Head coach Tata Martino has used Ruiz in a variety of roles, most notably as a central midfielder next to Sergio Busquets.
In the end, it’s up to Ruiz to decide which country he wants to represent in the future. The United States may be the country he was born in, but there’s no guarantee he will get into their midfield by the 2026 World Cup.
He’s certainly talented enough to make his case, but it remains to be seen if he can break into the US first team.