Lionel Messis Inter Miami and Egypts Al Ahly battle to scoreless draw in Club World Cup opener
MIAMI GARDENS (AP) — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were held to a scoreless draw against Egypt's Al Ahly in the opening game of the Club World Cup on Saturday night.
In front of more than 60,000 fans at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami survived a first half onslaught by 12-time African champion Al Ahly, which was denied a potential winning goal from the penalty spot when Trezeguet's effort was stopped by goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
Miami had scoring chances in the second half, with Messi shaving the post with a free kick and then hitting the bar with a curling effort from long range in added time.
Miami had to rely on veteran Argentine goalkeeper Ustari to keep the game level in the first half, with the 38-year-old pulling off a number of saves as Al Ahly dominated the chances. He produced a crucial double save just before halftime — blocking Trezeguet's 43rd-minute penalty and then getting up quickly to deny the forward again on the rebound.
A draw leaves both teams with a battle to advance from Group A with tougher tests likely to come against Brazilian giant Palmeiras and Porto from Portugal. The top two advance to the round of 16.
Miami can be encouraged by its performance in the second half after being dominated in the first half. Inter Miami had the better chances after the break, with Messi's free kick and curling long shot both hitting the woodwork.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
What is the biggest win margin in Club World Cup history?
Bayern Munich is on track to break the record for the biggest win in Club World Cup history as it leads Auckland City FC 6-0 at halftime in their Group C match at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday. If the scores stay the same, the Bavarians will break the record held by Saudi club Al Hilal, which beat UAE club Al Jazira 6-1 in 2021. ALSO READ | The Club World Cup is finally up and running — and football may never be the same Both Bayern and Auckland secured their participation at the tournament via the ranking pathway following consistently impressive showings over the four-year cycle from 2021 to 2024. BIGGEST WINS IN CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY Bayern Munich 6-0 Auckland City FC* (2025) Al Hilal 6-1 Al Jazira (2021) Esperance 6-2 Al Sadd (2019) Monterrey 5-1 Al Ahly (2013) Santos 0-4 Barcelona (2011) Manchester City 4-0 Fluminense (2023)
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Botafogo v Seattle Sounders LIVE streaming info: Where to watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025? Predicted lineups
Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders FC will begin its FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign against Brazilian club Botafogo during their Group B clash at the Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, on Monday. Brazilian champion Botafogo secured its place at the CWC by winning the 2024 edition of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores. The Sounders, meanwhile, earned its place by defeating Mexican side Pumas in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions Cup final, claiming one of CONCACAF's four allocated berths. LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFO When will the Botafogo v Seattle Sounders FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage match kick off? The Botafogo v Seattle Sounders FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage match will kick off at 7:30 AM IST on Monday, June 16, at Lumen Field in Seattle. Where to watch the Botafogo v Seattle Sounders FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage match? The Botafogo v Seattle Sounders FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage match will not be telecast anywhere in India. The match will be live-streamed on the DAZN website. PREDICTED LINEUPS Botafogo: John (gk), Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles, Gregore, Freitas, Artur, Savarino, Rodriguez, Jesus Seattle Sounders: Frei (gk), A. Roldan, Ragen, Bell, Tolo, Vargas, C. Roldan, De la Vega, Rusnak, Kent, Ferreira FULL SQUADS Botafogo (Brazil) Goalkeepers: John, Leo Linck, Raul, Christhian Loor Defenders: Alexander Barboza, Alex Telles, Bastos, Cuiabano, David Ricardo, Jair Cunha, Kaio Fernando, Marcal, Mateo Ponte, Vitinho Midfielders: Allan, Danilo Barbosa, Gregore, Marlon Freitas, Newton Forwards: Alvaro Montoro, Artur, Igor Jesus, Kayke, Mastriani, Matheus Martins, Nathan Fernandes, Santiago Rodriguez, Wran Cruz, Savarino Seattle Sounders (USA) Goalkeepers: Stefan Frei, Andrew Thomas, Jacob Castro Defenders: Travian Sousa, Nouhou Tolo, Jon Bell, Alex Roldan, Kim Kee-hee, Jackson Ragen, Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Cody Baker, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Midfielders: Joao Paulo, Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnak, Obed Vargas, Reed Baker-Whiting, Danny Leyva Forwards: Jesus Ferreira, Pedro de la Vega, Jordan Morris, Paul Rothrock, Danny Musovski, Ryan Kent, Georgi Minoungou, Osaze de Rosario
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
How FIFA Club World Cup can change the landscape of global football
The much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup finally got under way in Miami, ending over a year of speculation, criticism, and behind-the-scenes resistance. Speaking ahead of the launch, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was confident that the expanded tournament would be a historic step forward for football. He described it as a transformative competition that would elevate the club game to new heights. The month-long event is spread across 11 U.S. cities, symbolising FIFA's intent to tap into global markets and reshape how elite football is consumed and contested. Whether it will redefine the game remains to be seen, but the scale of ambition on display is unmistakable. Infantino's vision comes to life Gianni Infantino, a central force behind the tournament's expansion, was in the stands at Hard Rock Stadium as Inter Miami and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly played out a goalless draw in front of over 60,000 fans. Though the match lacked sparkle, the elaborate opening ceremony — complete with music, dancers, and fireworks — reflected FIFA's larger-than-life vision. For Infantino, this wasn't just another competition; it was a personal milestone. The trophy, designed by Tiffany & Co., even carries his name — twice — underscoring his ownership of the project. Resistance and resilience Despite facing legal hurdles in Europe, warnings from players' unions about burnout, and resistance from domestic leagues, Infantino pushed ahead. Critics questioned whether the football calendar needed another elite event, especially when the Champions League already dominates the club scene. Yet, by launching the 32-team format, FIFA has carved out a new tournament that's now locked into the schedule every four years, with clubs like PSG already qualifying for 2029. Fan reception and future potential Initial turnout suggested cautious optimism. While ticket prices were slashed late, the large crowd — heavily featuring Al Ahly supporters from Egypt and the U.S. — gave the event a celebratory atmosphere. Messi nearly delivered a fairytale finish, only to be denied by a fingertip save. The magic wasn't complete, but FIFA's new chapter had firmly begun.
