The Herons shared the spoils with the Egyptian giants in a chaotic opening to FIFA's hallmark club tournament
Lionel Messi hit the post twice, and his goalkeeper saved a first half penalty at the other end, but neither side found the net as Inter Miami and Al Ahly opened the Club World Cup with a 0-0 draw that certainly didn't lack excitement.
"We fought until the end. We showed great character," head coach Javier Mascherano told DAZN after the match.
It was very much a tale of two halves, the Egyptian giants dominating the first, before Miami took over in the second. Still, a crucial moment of quality never arrived, and the teams settled for what might be an agreeable point.
Al Ahly should have taken the lead early, but Oscar Ustari made back-to-back saves after well-crafted moves from the Egyptian side. The veteran Argentine was called upon a third time after 32 minutes, making an instinctive stop from a free header to keep things level. Trezeguet had a chance to take the lead shortly before the half with a penalty after being fouled by Telasco Segovia, but Ustari came up with another massive moment – denying him from the spot.
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now
woke up in the second half. They looked like a far more disciplined unit after the break, with Lionel Messi at the center of it all. The Argentine orchestrated the remainder of the proceedings. He came close midway through the second half, curling a free kick just outside the post.
Miami had further chances. Fafa Picault forced a wonderful save out of the keeper. The Al Ahly keeper provided again in stoppage time, denying first Messi and then Maxi Falcon from back-to-back corners.
"Obviously, we wanted to win, because we know how important it is to start with a win. But I am happy with the performance of the team," Mascherano said.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Hard Rock Stadium…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Oscar Ustari (8/10):
Made a few ridiculous saves in the first half and stopped a penalty to keep his side in it. Wonderful in goal.
Ian Fray (7/10):
Outrun and outmatched for half an hour, but settled in thereafter.
Maxi Falcon (6/10):
Chaotic and frenetic throughout. Came up with some big tackles, yet also almost cost his side on numerous occasions due to some woeful positioning.
Tomas Aviles (5/10):
Did an excellent job of trying to get himself sent off. Deservedly removed at the break after turning in a night to forget.
Noah Allen (6/10):
A tidy performance on the left, as Al Ahly had little joy down his wing.
AdvertisementGettyMidfield
Federico Redondo (7/10):
Work rate cannot be questioned. The loss of Yannick Bright wasn't too badly felt.
Sergio Busquets (6/10):
Easily bypassed in the midfield in the first half. More in control after, and linked up with Messi.
Telasco Segovia (5/10):
Gave away a mind-numbingly silly penalty, which was pretty much his only impact on the game. Fortunate that Trezeguet missed.
Tadeo Allende (5/10):
Not his best showing. Didn't really get involved until after the break and went off without making too much of an impact.
GettyAttack
Lionel Messi (8/10):
Absolutely clattered on a couple of occasions in the first half. Ran the game in the second and was unfortunate not to score a winner.
Luis Suarez (6/10):
Showed a few moments of quality, but was otherwise sparingly involved.
GettySubs & Manager
Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):
He wasn't exactly composed, but Miami was better defensively with his influence after the break
Benjamin Cremaschi (5/10):
Didn't offer much other than fresh legs.
Fafa Picault (N/A):
Had a strong chance in front of goal but saw his header tipped over the bar late.
Javier Mascherano (6/10):
Watched his side get absolutely battered in the first half. Got a much better performance out of them in the second, and will feel that his team deserved three points.