Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami were held to a surprising 0-0 draw by Al Ahly in their FIFA Club World Cup opener.
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, were held to a 0-0 draw by Egyptian giants Al Ahly in their FIFA Club World Cup opener. Despite dominating the second half, Inter Miami were unable to break down Al Ahly’s defense.
Messi had a quiet first half but inspired a bright second-half performance, thumping a long-range effort off the bar and hitting a late curler that Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy managed to get fingertips on.
Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made several key saves, including denying Maximiliano Falcon’s header from a corner in stoppage time. Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also made crucial saves, including from a penalty kick in the 43rd minute.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano credited Ustari’s saves for keeping his team in the contest, saying they were “alive” thanks to their goalkeeper. The draw means Inter Miami earn a point in Group A, but they’ll be looking to improve their performance in their next match.
