Messi Shines, But Inter Miami Held by Al-Ahly in Club World Cup Opener.
Lionel Messi drew a near-capacity crowd to Hard Rock Stadium, but even his brilliance couldn’t steer Inter Miami to victory as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Egyptian giants Al-Ahly in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday, June 14.
An electric crowd of 60,927—thanks largely to Messi’s star power—dismissed doubts over the tournament’s appeal in its new 32-team format. However, it was Al-Ahly who looked more dangerous early on, creating two clear chances and winning a penalty after Zizo was brought down by Telasco Segovia. But Trezeguet’s spot-kick was saved by Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, keeping the hosts in the contest.
Inter Miami gradually found rhythm after the break. Messi, at the heart of it all, came inches from scoring with a curling free-kick that grazed the post and side netting, drawing gasps from the crowd. Minutes later, his pinpoint cross found Fafa Picault, whose header was brilliantly tipped over by Mohamed El Shenawy.
The Al-Ahly keeper was called into action again in the dying moments, pushing a trademark Messi curler onto the crossbar to preserve the draw. Despite the scoreline, the atmosphere, near-misses, and Messi’s magic ensured the tournament got off to an entertaining start—even if not a winning one for the home side.
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