Javier Mascherano praises Lionel Messi as penalty save from Inter Miami's Oscar Ustari secures draw at Club World Cup
The 37-year-old was unable to inspire his side to victory against the Egyptian champions at the Hard Rock Stadium as FIFA's revamped tournament still awaits its first goal.
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari saved a penalty in the first half from Al Ahly forward Trezeguet whilst his opposite number Mohamed El Shenawy denied Messi in stoppage time at the end of the game, turning the former Barcelona star's effort against the bar.
"It's admirable how much love Messi has for the game," said Mascherano. "After all the matches he's played, he's still here, giving his all. Of course, we wanted to win, but I'm happy with the team's performance today.
"Clearly, when we find Leo in positions and get the ball to him in the best way, that's where we have the most options."
Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham was given an ovation by home supporters following his knighthood which was confirmed this week.
The presence of the former England captain failed to provide the spark for his side in what was arguably their most winnable match of the group stage, ahead of meetings with Porto and Brazilian side Palmeiras.
"We take it game by game," said Mascherano. "We know that the level will clearly rise in the next game because they're a European opponent, but we have to stay with the feeling that it's 11 against 11.
"Anything can happen in football."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Ange Postecoglou considering instant return to management in Saudi Arabia but could take Premier League job instead
ANGE POSTECOGLOU is giving serious consideration to a Saudi Pro League switch. The Aussie was ruthlessly axed earlier this month despite finally ending Tottenham's trophy hoodoo. 3 Ange Postecoglou left Tottenham with a smile on his face Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Daniel Levy took the bold decsion to replace Postecoglou despite his European triumph Credit: GETTY 3 Thomas Frank has been named as Postecoglou's replacment And Postecoglou, 59,. is already in demand having been approached by German Jaissle's England striker Champions League title last month. And Postecoglou is currently mulling over the prospect of a lucrative switch to Saudi. The Europa League-winning boss has already had interest from other clubs in England and on the continent. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS He is understood to favour another crack at the Premier League should the opportunity arise. And Postecoglou not rush a decision over his future despite the lucrative proposal from the Middle East. The popular coach But he was still sacked just 16 days later, with Most read in Football The Asutralian manager penned an emotional message to Spurs after it was confirmed he would leaving the club. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He said: "When I reflect on my time as manager of "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Thomas Frank is announced as new Tottenham manager "Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. "That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream."
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Ger Nash: The task is huge and we know we're in a relegation fight
Ger Nash is adamant Cork City will fight for survival, insisting he accepted the reality of a relegation scrap when appointed this day last month. His first experience of senior football management has been sobering, the 38-year-old's third game at the helm a defeat to Bohemians which, on the balance of play, might have been steeper than the 2-0 scoreline. Seven winless matches, coupled with Sligo Rovers beating Waterford on Saturday has plunged the Rebels to bottom of the table. Next up is a trip to leaders Shamrock Rovers on Friday. Home games against the sides positioned third (Drogheda United) and fourth (St Patrick's Athletic), lurk over the following seven days, with Nash admitting quick wins are essential to rescue their plight. 'I always knew what job I was getting into, especially with the situation I inherited,' says the 38-year-old, after his side were booed off on Friday. 'The task is huge and we know we're in a fight. The feeling in the dressing room was really low because the players care. My job is to pick the players up. 'We have to respond by putting on a performance at Tallaght that was more like the previous two games against Galway and Shelbourne. 'Those two games showed me positives but we had a tough night against Bohemians. They were relentless in the first half hour and the first goal rocked us." Should City remain rooted to the foot of the table, a third relegation in six years awaits. Swapping places again with Sligo would earn the reprieve of a playoff against a First Division side to avoid the drop. The transfer window that comes afterwards will offer an opportunity to bolster his squad and it appears the team which confronts the final third of the season will be unrecognisable from the current version. City used all four permitted loan slots in the previous window. Deals for Rio Shipston (Sheffield Wednesday) Tein Troost (NAC Breda) Kitt Nelson (Preston North End) expire next month and all could return. Freddie Anderson's temporary switch from Stoke City is officially for the full LOI season but the arrival of experienced Fiacre Kelleher on July 1, coupled with his erratic form, casts doubt over his continuity. Cathal O'Sullivan seems certain to seal his transfer to an English Premier League club, likely Crystal Palace, over the window while another attacker, Djanairo Daniels, is expected to move on after being signed as a free agent with the option to depart once the window opens. Injured left-back Benni Couto is still several weeks away from fitness and Ruari Keating's season is over. 'We have 17 games in which we must be better,' noted Nash. 'We need to take a lot of learnings from Friday and show spirit and fight at Tallaght. "We need to put something together like Bohs did after their difficult start." Meanwhile, the four teams who qualified for European competition meet on Monday before discovering their opposition in the draws on Tuesday. Drogheda United will only be involved in Wednesday's second round draw of the Uefa Conference League if their appeal to CAS against Uefa expelling them over multi-club regulations is successful. They host Shamrock Rovers at 7.45pm. Two teams in dire need of wins, St Pat's and champions Shelbourne, meet in Richmond Park at the same time. Damien Duff's enmity with Rovers deepened after Friday's 2-1 defeat against the Hoops, accusing their management of zero class in the aftermath.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Boca Juniors fans take over Universal Studios Florida ahead of Club World Cup as Ultras filmed singing on rollercoaster
BOCA JUNIORS fans took over Universal Studios in Florida ahead of the Club World Cup. The Argentine giants kick off their campaign against Miami tomorrow. 2 Boca Juniors fans took over Universal Studios Credit: X 2 Ultras were seen singing on a rollercoaster And fans have been making the most of the trip to the US, taking in the local attractions. A group of Universal Studios and enjoyed the rides and attractions. On one rollercoaster a group began chanting team songs and pumped their fists with enthusiasm. Social media users loved the fans' antics, with one saying: "They're crazy. Boca fans are crazy." READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The Club World Cup got underway on Sunday with Egyptian side Al-Ahly There are five rule changes being introduced for the competition including referees being given body cameras. Footage from referee monitor reviews will be aired LIVE in stadiums and AI will be used to collect live match data as part of Fifa's partnership with Hawk-Eye. Semi-automated offsides will also be in use and balls will contain a sensor. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS And substitutions will be requested on a digital tablet rather than via paper slips. Boca Juniors are in Group C along with
