Lionel Messi came so close to snagging a last-minute winner for Inter Miami, but in the end, they had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Egyptian champs Al Ahly in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
You know, it was a tense moment when Messi launched this audacious chip that nearly found the back of the net, but Al Ahly's goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, made an incredible save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar just deep into stoppage time. And if that wasn’t enough, he used his head to deny a header from Maximiliano Falcón just moments later. Talk about a close call!
Honestly, the goalless draw felt fitting. Al Ahly, who have won the CAF Champions League a whopping 12 times, really took charge in the first half on that hot, humid night. But credit where it’s due—Inter’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, was the standout player of the match. He made some stellar saves, including a crucial stop on a Trezeguet penalty right before halftime after Zizo was brought down by Telasco Segovia.
Ustari said it best in his post-match interview on Channel 5, “It was a great performance. We knew it would be tough, and a lot of us are really enjoying this experience—even me at my age! I think we did really well today. We just have to take it game by game; it’s a special tournament.”
As for Messi, his shot after a quick one-two from a corner almost dipped perfectly over El Shenawy, but he managed to backtrack just in time and tipped it off the post.
So, Inter Miami walks away with a point from their first match in the FIFA Club World Cup. They’re really hoping Messi will agree to extend his contract before too long. They’ll be back on the pitch this Thursday, taking on Porto. Fingers crossed!
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