On a night expected to showcase the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, it was 38-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari who emerged as the unlikely hero. Making just his second major appearance for Inter Miami since taking over from the injured Drake Callender, Ustari delivered a man-of-the-match performance in the opening game of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
Ustari was put to the test early and often, facing a relentless Al Ahly attack in the first half. The Egyptian champions sliced through inter Miami’s defensive lines repeatedly, forcing Ustari into four top-class saves from open play. His finest moment came in the 46th minute when he denied Trezeguet from the penalty spot, preserving a clean sheet and lifting the spirits of his beleaguered teammates. It was his first penalty save since October 2022.
Despite joining the squad only in September 2024, Ustari’s commanding presence between the posts has already paid dividends. He ended the match with eight saves — three more than the total shots Inter Miami registered on target. His performance was both a revelation and a reminder that while star power may draw crowds, results often hinge on unexpected heroes.
Al Ahly Waste Early Dominance and Momentum
Al Ahly will leave Hard Rock Stadium knowing they let a golden opportunity slip away. The Egyptian giants dominated much of the first half, carving out multiple clear-cut chances that should have put the game out of reach before the break. Yet, their finishing lacked the clinical edge required at this level.
From the eighth minute, the warning signs were flashing for Inter Miami as Emam Ashour burst through the defense but failed to capitalize. Wessam Abou Ali thought he had broken the deadlock on the half-hour mark, only for the flag to go up for offside. Their best chance came moments before the interval when a penalty was awarded after a VAR review, but Trezeguet’s tame effort was brilliantly kept out by Ustari.
Though the second half saw Inter Miami come to life, Al Ahly still had their moments. But failing to convert their early dominance into goals means they now face a steeper path in Group A. With tougher matches against FC Porto and Palmeiras to come, the Cairo club may regret not taking all three points against what many saw as their weakest group opponent.
Hard Rock Stadium Delivers Mixed Atmosphere for Tournament Opener Al Ahly and Inter Miami
Despite pre-match concerns about turnout, the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami delivered a solid crowd for the Club World Cup curtain-raiser. FIFA announced an attendance of 60,927 — just shy of the stadium’s 65,326 capacity — which they will undoubtedly hail as a success for the newly expanded tournament.
Red shirts of Al Ahly fans matched the pink jerseys of Inter Miami in volume and spirit, making for a balanced and vocal crowd. Egyptian supporters were notably louder, creating an away-match atmosphere for the hosts. Although billed as a serious competition by FIFA, the evening had a festive, almost pre-season feel, with player-by-player introductions and halftime antics including a crossbar challenge won by Italy’s Alessandro Del Piero against YouTube star IShowSpeed.
A novel “ref cam” provided viewers with a unique angle of the first-half penalty decision, adding to the showmanship of the night. Still, questions lingered over the competition’s format and legitimacy, particularly with Inter Miami’s contentious inclusion over MLS champions LA Galaxy.
OGMNewsFC.COM
Ustari’s Heroics Deny Al Ahly as Inter Miami Escape with Club World Cup Draw
Security around the stadium was visibly intensified following the near disaster that unfolded at the same venue during the 2024 Copa America final. That night, chaotic scenes and overcrowding delayed kick-off by 80 minutes. Authorities were determined not to repeat that experience, deploying a heavy police presence including units branded with ‘counter terrorism’ insignia.
Multiple security perimeters led to delays in fan entry, as all bags were searched thoroughly and extra screenings conducted. While this may have caused some frustration, the strict measures ensured a safe environment and avoided the crowd trouble that marred previous events.
In the hours leading up to the match, Miami’s South Beach was abuzz with Egyptian supporters proudly donning Al Ahly colours. Billboard ads along Route 95 declared the event as “Showtime,” setting the tone for a spectacle that had more to do with pageantry than performance. Whether such intense security protocols will be replicated in other host cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, or Cincinnati remains to be seen.
Fireworks, Star Power, and Almost Some Messi Magic
Once inside, fans were treated to a distinctly American-style football event, complete with fireworks, musical performances, and theatrical player introductions. Moroccan-American rapper French Montana electrified the stadium with a pre-match show, while students from Miami Dade College presented oversized club badges to represent all 32 teams.
Amid the razzmatazz, all eyes were on Messi. The global icon — fresh off international duty with Argentina — produced a few moments of near-magic. A curling free-kick narrowly missed the post, a deft volley was tipped over the bar, and a stoppage-time strike rattled the crossbar. The crowd, many wearing his iconic “Messi 10” shirt, held its breath each time he touched the ball.
Despite his efforts, the breakthrough never came. Co-owner David Beckham received a thunderous ovation as he entered the stadium, but even the combined presence of Beckham, Messi, Suárez, and Infantino couldn’t turn the draw into a win. With tougher challenges ahead, Inter Miami’s qualification hopes are already under pressure.
As coach Javier Mascherano put it post-match: “We know the level will rise against Porto. But football is eleven versus eleven — anything can happen.”
Next up: Inter Miami face FC Porto on Thursday, while Al Ahly prepare for a must-win clash against Palmeiras.
