The FIFA Club World Cup, which will feature 32 teams for the first time, has kicked off in the United States. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will face Egyptian club Al-Ahly in the opening match. Both goalkeepers made great saves in this thrilling match, denying both teams victory. Neither Messi’s free-kick nor his left-footed curled shot found the net. As a result, Miami had to be content with a goalless draw against Ahly.
Messi had previously participated in the Club World Cup three times and had the taste of winning every time. At that time, however, the Argentine superstar was wearing the Barcelona jersey, and the World Cup was also small. For the first time, FIFA has expanded this mega club tournament from seven teams to 32 teams. In addition, Inter Miami’s recent statistics are not very encouraging. As a result, Messi’s goal this time was to perform at his best. He had put aside the discussion of how far the team wanted to go.
The Miami-Ahli match was scheduled to start at 6 am Bangladesh time at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. Later, there was a slight delay in putting the ball on the field due to the opening phase of the tournament and cultural programs. The two teams were in a tight competition from the start. Al Ahli had a great chance to go ahead in the first half. But Miami’s Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari saved a penalty taken by their footballer Mahmoud Trezeguet. He was also named man of the match for all the saves he made throughout the match. However, Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawi also repeatedly disappointed Messi.
Al-Ahly’s Abu Ali created the first good chance in the sixth minute of the match. But he entered the box and shot late into the hands of the Miami goalkeeper. It was later found out that it was offside. He attacked Miami’s defense again a minute later. However, goalkeeper Ustari stepped up to block Imam Ashur’s shot and this time became a shield. Even though he was alone, Ahly was denied a goal. Miami got a free kick in the 15th minute. But Messi shot the first significant shot of the match well wide. Although both teams attacked, Ahly was in control of the match.
In the 32nd minute, the experienced Argentine goalkeeper saved Miami from an empty header. As a result, both teams were preparing to go into the break with a goalless draw. However, Miami was awarded a penalty after fouling an Ahly footballer in their own box. Trezeguet could not disturb the Miami goalkeeper with the spot kick. Instead, he hit the ball into his hand. After returning with that relief, Miami’s rhythm returned in the second half. With Messi at the center, they started playing quite organized football. Several chances were also created. In the 64th minute, Messi’s free-kick went slightly to the side of the net.
In the end, both teams attacked one after another. Although there were scoring opportunities, both goalkeepers showed great skill every time. In the end, Fafa Ficault almost pushed the ball flying from Miami’s corner into Ahli’s net with a great header. But the Ahli goalkeeper blocked it with extraordinary skill. Then he blocked two more balls coming from corners. In the end, neither team could break the deadlock. As a result, the scoreline was 0-0.
