A chaotic start to the FIFA Club World Cup saw Inter Miami and Al Ahly fight to a draw.
Despite Messi striking the post twice and his goalkeeper saving a penalty, Inter Miami and Al Ahly played to a thrilling 0-0 draw to open the Club World Cup.
The game was completely different in each half; Egypt dominated the first, while Miami controlled the second. However, a defining moment of quality play never materialized, resulting in a compromise of a draw.
Despite well-crafted attacks, Al Ahly failed to take an early lead due to back-to-back saves by Oscar Ustari. After 32 minutes, the Argentinian veteran made his third appearance, instinctively stopping a free header to maintain the score. Ustari produced another stunning save, denying Trezeguet’s penalty after Telasco Segovia’s foul shortly before the break, which would have given Trezeguet’s team the lead.
The Herons improved their performance in the second half. Messi spearheaded a much more disciplined team after halftime. The Argentines managed the rest of the proceedings. Midway through the second half, he almost scored with a curled free kick that narrowly missed the post.
Miami had additional scoring opportunities. The keeper made a superb save to deny Picault’s shot. In stoppage time, Al Ahly’s keeper produced another excellent save, blocking attempts from Messi and Maxi Falcon on successive corners.
“We fought until the end. We showed great character,” head coach Javier Mascherano told DAZN after the match.
“Obviously, we wanted to win because we know how important it is to start with a win. But I am happy with the performance of the team,” Mascherano said.
