The FIFA Club World Cup began on Saturday night, yet neither team managed to score as Inter Miami, led by Messi, played to a goalless draw against Egypt’s Al Ahly in Florida.
In the first half at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Messi and his teammates had a lackluster performance, with Al Ahly controlling possession and creating more scoring opportunities. However, Inter’s goalkeeper Oscar Ustari consistently denied the Egyptian team.
It appeared that Ustari’s efforts might be compromised just before halftime when Trezeguet was awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute. Nevertheless, Ustari rose to the challenge again, preventing the Al Ahly threat.
Also Read: Shining a Light on Albinism: Protecting Lives, Preserving Dignity
The performance of Miami improved in the second half, highlighted by Messi hitting the crossbar from a distance. Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, also made a spectacular save, managing to touch a late curling shot from the Argentine with his fingertips.
A large crowd filled the stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins, but Messi couldn’t deliver a game-changing moment. After the match, Ustari emphasized the necessity for ongoing team improvement.
“We’re a very young squad, and many may not recognize it, but Inter has made history. They’ve only been developing for a few years, and today they are competing in the Club World Cup, so we must appreciate that.
“We leave with the feeling that we could have scored, and I believe we were the superior side. The next opponent will be entirely different, so we need to rest and concentrate on our future.”
Inter Miami is scheduled to play FC Porto on Thursday in Atlanta, while Al Ahly, enjoying enthusiastic support, will face Palmeiras in New York, where an even larger crowd of their fans is expected.
