lategoal denied for Messi in Club World Cup debut
In a nail-biting clash, Messi's dramatic last-minute goal was thwarted by El Shenawy, leaving organizers FIFA delighted with the opening night of their expanded Club World Cup. Al Ahly, supported by over 10,000 fans, were left to regret a missed first-half penalty, with Mohamed El Shenawy's Heroics keeping them at bay.
The Group A encounter saw Al Ahly dominating the early stages before Inter Miami improved in the second half. Emam Ashour was denied by Argentine keeper Oscar Ustari early on, while Wessam Abou Ali had a goal ruled out for offside and a fierce strike tipped over by Ustari. Trezeguet's weak penalty was saved, but the Egyptian defense stood firm, with El Shenawy earning his stripes with a crucial save in the dying seconds to keep out a header from Maxi Falcon.
Although stars like Messi and Trezeguet failed to score, the game was far from dull, with the audience witnessing an enthralling display of football. The stadium witnessed Forty-five thousand spectators, with thousands of Al Ahly fans filling up the stands well ahead of the match. No trace of controversy was seen, despite rumors of controversial crackdowns and heavy skepticism over the tournament's necessity.
In Group A, Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami, SE Palmeiras, and FC Porto face off, with Al Ahly participating in the tournament but not directly listed in Group A's initial fixtures [1][3][5]. Critics question the competitive balance, given the numerous high-profile players and teams involved, but organizers hope to bring globalization to the club game [2].
In the upcoming matches, Inter Miami face FC Porto in Atlanta on Thursday before returning home to face SE Palmeiras on Monday. Will Messi finally find his goal then? Stay tuned!
© 2025 AFP
- With the Club World Cup expanded and international sports enthusiasts tuned in, the Champions League's presence in Africa will undoubtedly bring a diverse range of football styles and techniques to the competition.
- The Group A clash between Al Ahly and Inter Miami proved to be an exciting encounter, showcasing top-tier football talent from both Africa and Europe, setting a high standard for the rest of the tournament.
