Lionel Messi came close to a dramatic stoppage-time winner, but Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al-Ahly settled for a 0-0 draw in the opening match of the Club World Cup in the U.S.
Messi’s curling shot in the 96th minute was tipped by goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy and clipped the crossbar. Earlier, the Argentine star also struck the post with a free kick in the 60th minute.
The match, played in front of nearly 61,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, saw Al-Ahly dominate the first half. Miami’s veteran keeper Oscar Ustari kept the score level with a key double save, including a penalty stop in the 43rd minute.
Miami had better chances after the break, but failed to convert. With tougher group games ahead against Palmeiras and Porto, both teams now face a challenging path to reach the round of 16.
“It was a good party for football,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
Al-Ahly’s Wessam Abou Ali expressed frustration, saying, “We could’ve finished the game in the first half.”
