Ustari the Hero as Inter Miami Survive Al Ahly Onslaught

Inter Miami and Al Ahly launched the FIFA Club World Cup in spectacular fashion, playing out a breathless 0-0 draw in front of over 60,000 fans at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

All eyes were fixed on Lionel Messi, but it was 38-year-old Óscar Ustari who stole the spotlight with a heroic performance between the sticks. Against wave after wave of Al Ahly attacks, the veteran keeper stood tall — and when Trézéguet stepped up for a first-half penalty, Ustari delivered a world-class, two-handed save that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Eight saves. One unforgettable night. Miami’s defence may have cracked, but Ustari refused to break. His performance was a masterclass in timing, reflexes, and sheer defiance.

Messi nearly delivered the Hollywood ending — a curling strike in stoppage time kissed the crossbar, and Fafà Picault’s late header demanded brilliance from Mohamed El Shenawy at the other end.

The goals didn’t come, but the drama never stopped. As Inter Miami prepare to face FC Porto and Al Ahly meet Palmeiras, this tournament is already promising fireworks.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Al Ahly SC - Inter Miami 0:0

Al Ahly SC: El Shenawy M.; Ibrahim; Dari; Hany; Ateya; Ben Romdhane (El Shahat, 65); Hassan (Mohamed T., 65); Fathi H.; Ashour (Zizo, 14; Afsha, 79); Koka; Abou Ali (Gradišar, 79)
Bench: Shobeir; Abdelfattah; El Debes; El Aash; Attiyat-Allah; Kamal; Ramadan; Reda; Dieng Al.; Bencharki
Yellow Cards: Ateya 90

Inter Miami: Ustari; Avilés (Weigandt, 46); Fray; Allen; Falcón; Busquets; Redondo; Segovia (Cremaschi, 73); Luis Suarez; Messi; Allende (Picault, 81)
Bench: Yarbrough; Ríos Novo; Sailor; Morales; Rodríguez Baltasar; Afonso; Obando
Yellow Cards: Avilés 25; Redondo 31; Busquets 86; Luis Suarez 90