The 2025 Club World Cup started last night with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Al Ahly of Egypt playing the opening the game. The game ended in a goalless draw with Inter Miami goalkeeper wining man of the match.
It was a game of two halves as Al Ahly played fantastically well in the first 45 minutes while Inter Miami dominated the second half. The Egyptian giants had the chance to take the lead but Mahmoud Trezeguet missed a 43rd minute penalty saved.
Reflecting on the outcome of the game, Inter Miami head coach Mascherano admitted that nerves and anxiety got the better of his side. He said: “I’m happy with the performance. We were better in the second half. In the first, we lost a few balls and gave away too many transitions where they were dangerous.”
He also said: “In the second half, we created chances, controlled the game, and had opportunities to win it. That’s football.” “We knew we were up against a strong team…The nerves and anxiety played a trick on us in the first half. But we had our chances to win. The team left a very good impression. This is the path forward… playing like this, we can beat anyone.”
The former Liverpool and Barcelona man hailed the performance of Lionel Messi. He said he admired how much love Messi has for the game. Mascherano also said: “After all the matches he’s played, he’s still here, giving his all.” “Of course, we wanted to win, but I’m happy with the team’s performance today.”
