Club World Cup: Lionel Messi denied by woodwork as Inter Miami draw opener
Almost 61,000 fans attend at Hard Rock Stadium as Miami share goalless draw with Egypt’s Al-Ahly in Florida
Lionel Messi was denied in stoppage time as Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al-Ahly settled for a scoreless draw in the opening game of the Club World Cup in the United States on Saturday night.
Argentina’s eight-time Ballon d’Or winner aimed a long, curling shot from the right side that was tipped by diving goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy and brushed off the crossbar in the 96th minute in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Messi, who also shaved a post with a free kick in the 60th minute, continues to draw massive crowds to stadiums, and attendance will be a key measure of the revamped Fifa tournament’s success or failure. On Saturday, almost 61,000 fans filled the Hard Rock Stadium, making for a festive atmosphere.
Miami had their share of good fortune, surviving a first-half onslaught by 12-time African champions Al-Ahly and relying on veteran Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to keep the game level.
The 38-year-old produced a crucial double save just before half-time, blocking Trezeguet’s 43rd-minute penalty and then getting up quickly to deny the forward again on the rebound.