The much-anticipated kickoff to the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in Miami delivered everything except goals, as Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly played out a tense 0-0 draw at the Hard Rock Stadium. While the scoreboard stayed flat, the night was far from dull—thanks to an unexpected hero in goal.
Oscar Ustari: From Backup to Savior
While fans came expecting fireworks from Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, it was Oscar Ustari—Inter Miami’s 38-year-old Argentine goalkeeper—who stole the show. Making only his sixth start for the club, Ustari racked up eight saves, including a vital first-half penalty stop from Trezeguet.
The save marked his first from the spot since October 2022 and cemented his place as the game’s standout performer. Ustari, who joined Miami in late 2024, was only promoted to the starting role after Drake Callender’s long-term injury. On Saturday night, he repaid that faith in full.
Al Ahly Fail to Capitalize on Dominance
The Egyptian side came out firing, slicing through Miami’s defense multiple times in the first half. Emam Ashour threatened early, and Wessam Abou Ali had a goal ruled out for offside. But their biggest regret will be Trezeguet’s missed penalty—a golden chance that could have defined the game.
With a tricky group ahead, Al Ahly might come to regret letting this one slip.
Messi’s Magic Nearly Wins It Late
Lionel Messi, playing just four days after international duty, showed glimpses of his class in the second half. He came close with a free-kick, helped set up Fafà Picault for a late header, and even rattled the crossbar in stoppage time. But despite the effort, Miami couldn’t find the breakthrough.
Luis Suárez, meanwhile, had a quiet outing, with few touches and little influence.
Big Crowd, Mixed Atmosphere
Despite concerns over attendance, more than 60,000 fans packed Hard Rock Stadium, creating a colorful and passionate backdrop. Al Ahly’s supporters made their presence felt, often out-singing the home fans and turning the match into a partial away game for Miami.
FIFA’s promotional efforts paid off, with the crowd size helping project a strong image for the new-look Club World Cup.
Despite FIFA’s push to make this a serious competition, elements of the matchday experience felt more like an exhibition. Player introductions, halftime challenges involving YouTubers and football legends, and a relaxed match tempo added to the atmosphere—but also blurred the line between competitive football and fanfare.
Group A Remains Up for Grabs
With Palmeiras and FC Porto still to play, Group A is wide open. Inter Miami’s defensive issues were on display despite Ustari’s heroics, and Al Ahly now likely need a win against one of the group favorites to keep their hopes alive.
The new era of the Club World Cup may have started without goals, but it did so with drama, tension, and an unlikely hero. In a game filled with stars, it was Oscar Ustari—veteran, underdog, and savior—who made the biggest impression.
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