An Argentine — not Messi — takes centre stage in Miami’s Club World Cup opener
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was the star performer for Inter Miami in their Club World Cup opener against Al-Ahly.
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was the star performer for Inter Miami in their Club World Cup opener against Al-Ahly.
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was the star performer for Inter Miami in their Club World Cup opener against Al-Ahly.
Lionel Messi was the biggest name on the pitch when the revamped Club World Cup began in Miami early on Sunday. But another Argentine stole the limelight from his superstar teammate as Inter Miami held Egyptian side Al-Ahly to a goalless draw.
Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was the star of the event opener, making eight saves, including a penalty. Ustari's big moment came shortly before half-time when he denied Trezeguet from the penalty spot and collected the rebound.
The 38-year-old Ustari is not a regular in the Argentine national team due to the presence of the incredible Emiliano Martinez, who helped the Albiceleste lift their third FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy also had a spectacular game, effecting five saves, at least two from point blank. Messi, arguably the greatest player ever, had his moments and came close in the dying minutes, but his freekick from outside the box was tipped onto the bar by El Shenawy.
Al-Ahly coach Jose Riveiro was pleased with his team's performance, especially keeping World Cup-winner Messi silent. "We first made sure Messi was cut off from his providers," Riveiro said.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano conceded that the Egyptians did a good job preventing quality balls from reaching Messi. "It’s clear that when we find Leo (Messi) in the right positions and give him good passes, we have more options and chances," Mascherano said.
"In the first half, we kept trying to find him with the first ball, but they were ready for us. When we were more patient, we were able to find Leo. And we all know what he can do when he finds space."
Messi's Miami will next play Portuguese side FC Porto on June 19 and then host Brazilian club Palmeiras four days later in the Group A. A total of 32 teams, including Champions League winners PSG, will compete in the event. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Juventus and Chelsea are among the other heavyweights who will be in action.