Inter Miami academy players received the experience of a lifetime.
After winning his eighth Ballon d’Or on October 30th, Lionel Messi flew back to South Florida. In a special event, the Argentine subsequently presented his historic award to Inter Miami’s academy.
The players got to hold the Ballon d’Or, greet Messi, and even take pictures with the trophy.
Inter Miami’s academy is, perhaps, one of the more fruitful academies in Major League Soccer. The Herons have seven academy alumni on its roster: Benjamin Cremaschi, Noah Allen, David Ruiz, Ian Fray, Edison Azcona, Felipe Valencia, and Santiago Morales.
A large chunk of those players have heavily contributed to the first team.
For example, Cremaschi, Ruiz, Allen, and Fray (pre-ACL tear) were able to earn significant minutes throughout the 2023 season.
Heading into 2024, expect the septet of players to play important roles in the future.
Inter Miami’s Freedom to Dream
Inter Miami’s motto, “Freedom to Dream,” isn’t just a marketing tactic.
The club has gone through hardships and has come out stronger on the other end. Signing Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba in the summer is the culmination of all the hard work Miami’s front office has done over the years.
The trio have done a magnificent job of pushing Inter Miami into the upper echelon of world football. Furthermore, their play on the field, alongside winning silverware, will give the club’s academy players something to strive for.
Messi’s presentation of the Ballon d’Or will have a lasting effect on these youngsters.
As Inter Miami gets ready for its fifth year in MLS, the Herons will continue dreaming of winning more trophies.
With Luis Suárez reportedly set to join the team in January and a full off-season of rest, Miami will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to challenge for MLS Cup next year.