From Goalless Stalemate to Near Victory: Messi Struggles in Club World Cup Opener with Inter Miami
Disheartening commencement for Messi at the World Cup, with Miami failing to bring the desired results
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Lionel Messi and Inter Miami kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Egypt's Al-Ahly, a test match that didn't provide pleasure for a long time. Messi's Class kicked in only in the second half, wowing the spectators but falling short of a much-desired goal.
In the opening half, Al-Ahly dominated the game, often putting Inter Miami on the back foot. The team from Miami could only rely on their keeper, Oscar Ustari, to keep the scores level, with the Argentine veteran making several crucial saves, including a stunning penalty stop to deny Trezeguet just before halftime.
Messi's influence grew in the second half, starting with a shot attempt in the 57th minute and setting the pace for the game. He set up the opportunity for Marcelo Weigandt in the 60th minute and went close himself with a free-kick in the 64th minute and a curling shot in added time. The last chance was wasted by Messi himself as his effort hit the bar.
Fafa Picault came close with a header after a Messi pass in the 85th minute, but the winning goal remained elusive.
With the disheartening draw, both teams face tough challenges ahead. FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Germany's representatives in the tournament, are set to begin their campaigns on the subsequent days. FC Bayern faces Auckland City on June 16, followed by Borussia Dortmund's clash with Fluminense on June 17.
Bonus Insights:- Lionel Messi had six shots on target, more than any other player on the pitch, but couldn't convert any of them into a goal. Oscar Ustari, Inter Miami's goalkeeper, made a total of 8 saves during the game, setting a new Club World Cup record.- Mohamed El-Shenawy, Al-Ahly's goalkeeper, also played a crucial role in preserving the clean sheet, making several impressive saves, including a diving stop to deny a curling effort from Messi in the final moments of the game.
[1] ntv.de[2] dpa[3] rog
- Club World Cup
- Football
- Lionel Messi
- ** USA**
- Unfortunately, despite Lionel Messi's best efforts, including six on-target shots in the Club World Cup opener against Al-Ahly, he was unable to score, indicating that he might not be able to do this - score a goal.
- Despite the excitement provided by Messi's skillful play in the second half of the Club World Cup match, football itself witnessed a goalless stalemate between Inter Miami and Al-Ahly, a result that neither team would have wanted.
