The much-anticipated revamped FIFA Club World Cup officially kicked off in the United States on Saturday — and all eyes were on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, who opened the tournament with a goalless draw against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.
Though the match ended without a goal, the atmosphere was electric, the tension palpable, and the security presence impossible to ignore.
⚽ Miami’s Guardian: Veteran Keeper Steals the Show
While fans flocked to the Hard Rock Stadium in hopes of witnessing some Messi magic, it was Inter Miami’s Oscar Ustari who emerged as the hero of the night. The 38-year-old goalkeeper turned back the clock with a series of world-class saves, including a crucial penalty stop just before half-time.
“It was a great performance,” Ustari told DAZN. “So many of us are experiencing this for the first time, including me — even at my age. I think we did really well.”
From sharp reflexes to fearless aerial duels, Ustari was unshakable. His penalty save on Mahmoud Trezeguet was the highlight of a first half that could have seen Al Ahly take a commanding lead.
Messi Moments and Missed Opportunities
Despite the stalemate, Lionel Messi nearly delivered the game’s defining moment — twice. His second-half free-kick was inches from the top corner, while a long-range rocket in the dying minutes was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Al Ahly’s keeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
“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,” said Miami coach Javier Mascherano post-match. “But we take it game by game.”
🛡️ Security Tightens After Past Chaos
With memories of last year’s Copa America final chaos — where ticketless fans breached stadium gates, delaying kickoff by 80 minutes — still fresh, authorities took no chances. Police cars lined the boulevards, and officers with “Counter Terrorism” logos patrolled the venue.
Fans underwent multiple security checkpoints, significantly extending entry times. Whether similar measures will be in place at other host cities — Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Cincinnati, and Seattle — remains to be seen.
American Spectacle Meets Global Football
Once inside, fans were greeted by a uniquely American opening ceremony:
- National anthem backed by a giant stars-and-stripes
- A pre-match performance by French Montana
- Fireworks lighting up the Florida night
- A ceremonial club presentation by local students carrying oversized emblems of all 32 participating teams
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, seated between Brazilian legend Ronaldo and Italian great Roberto Baggio, had hoped for a full stadium and a “world-class atmosphere.” While official attendance was listed at 60,927, thousands of empty seats were still visible in the 65,000+ capacity Hard Rock Stadium.
Mixed Reactions to Inter Miami’s Inclusion
Some critics questioned Miami’s presence in the tournament, as they qualified via the Supporters’ Shield, not by winning the MLS Cup. Many believed LA Galaxy, the actual MLS champions, were more deserving. But Messi’s global appeal made Miami the commercial favorite — and a massive draw.
Club co-owner Sir David Beckham was greeted with a standing ovation, but the biggest cheers came when Messi’s face lit up the stadium’s giant screen. Chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” echoed throughout the stands, echoing scenes from Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Al Ahly Threaten, But Fall Short
Despite their dominance in Africa — with 45 league titles and 12 continental trophies — Al Ahly couldn’t translate their pedigree into a winning performance. Wessam Abou Ali and Emam Ashour both had early chances, but Ustari was up to the task.
Even after a week of ticketing issues, FIFA managed to kick off the tournament with a vibrant, drama-filled opener that mixed world football with American spectacle.
📆 What’s Next for Inter Miami?
After dropping points in what was likely their easiest group fixture, Inter Miami now faces a much tougher test against Portuguese giants FC Porto on Thursday.
“We know the level will rise in the next game. It’s 11 vs 11, anything can happen,” said Mascherano.
Crossbar Challenge & Celebrity Sighting
Halftime featured a celebrity-studded crossbar challenge with YouTuber iShowSpeed, Sergio Aguero, Pepe, Kaka, Del Piero, and Youri Djorkaeff — a fun interlude that reminded fans this tournament is part sport, part showbiz.
Watch the full highlights here.
