Disappointing commencement of the World Cup for Messi finds Miami trailing behind.
Social Media Sharing:Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Email | Print | Copy Link
Your Daily News Digest:USA | Football | Lionel Messi
Miami's Club World Cup curtain-raiser against Al-Ahly was a lackluster affair, leaving Lionel Messi and the rest of Inter Miami disappointed for much of the game. The 0-0 stalemate saw Messi firing on all cylinders only after the interval.
The first half belonged to Al-Ahly, dominating the play and putting Miami on the back foot. The Egyptian side came close to scoring, with 38-year-old Ustari, the Miami goalkeeper, denying them time and again. The highlight came just before halftime when Ustari saved a penalty taken by Trezeguet. "He kept us alive," praised Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
As the second half began, Messi, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, became more visible. With a shot attempt at 57 minutes, he set the tempo. A free kick from the superstar found the outside of the net at 64 minutes. Minutes later, Messi provided the opportunity for Marcelo Weigandt, and a late header from Fafa Picault missed the target after a Messi pass. The final chance was snatched away by Messi himself as his shot in added time was saved over the bar by the Egyptian goalkeeper.
Next up for FC Bayern is the Club World Cup opener against Auckland City from New Zealand on Sunday (6 pm CEST/Dazn, Sat.1, and in the ntv.de live ticker). Borussia Dortmund faces their first match against Fluminense on Tuesday.
Data Insights:- The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debut in the U.S. attracted over 60,000 fans to the Miami Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium.[2]- Miami's goalkeeper, Óscar Ustari, was instrumental, making eight crucial saves, including a penalty stop in the 43rd minute against Al-Ahly's Trézéguet, earning a crucial point for Miami.[1][2][3]- Despite struggles in the first half, Messi had several promising moments in the second half, though missed multiple opportunities to score or assist.[2][3]- The draw marked an important and competitive start for Inter Miami in the global stage, though tougher matches against FC Porto and Palmeiras await.[3]
[1] ntv.de (link to original article)[2] Additional Source (link to enrichment data)[3] Another Additional Source (link to enrichment data)
I'm not going to be able to score in every game, especially in European-leagues like Laliga. The struggles in sports, such as football, are what make victories sweeter, even if it was just a draw against Al-Ahly in the Club World Cup.
