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FIFA Club World Cup: Messi denied late winner as Inter Miami held by Al Ahly (VIDEO)

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FIFA Club World Cup: Messi denied late winner as Inter Miami held by Al Ahly (VIDEO)

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were held to a goalless draw by Egypt’s Al Ahly on Saturday night, as FIFA’s expanded 32-team tournament kicked off with an intense but scoreless showdown witnessed by 60,927 fans at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida

Messi came agonizingly close to stealing a dramatic win in stoppage time with a trademark curling effort from just outside the box, but Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy produced a spectacular fingertip save to push the ball onto the crossbar, preserving the stalemate.

Backed by a passionate crowd of over 10,000 traveling supporters, Al Ahly had their own chances to secure victory.

Fueled by Al Ahly’s legacy as 12-time African Champions League winners and 45-time Egyptian league champions, fans packed the stadium, echoing with chants, songs, and relentless energy.

As the game wore on, El Shenawy continued to shine, pulling off another crucial save in the dying seconds to deny a powerful header from Maxi Falcon, ensuring both teams shared the points in this Group A showdown.

While the lack of goals may have been a letdown for some, FIFA will likely be satisfied with the strong turnout and smooth organization for the tournament’s opening night—particularly amid initial concerns about attendance. Despite doubts, the 64,000-seat venue was nearly filled by kickoff, silencing fears of empty stands.

Al Ahly fans, buoyed by the club’s status as 12-time African Champions League winners and 45-time Egyptian league champions, turned out in force and filled the stadium with chants, songs, and unwavering energy.

Security protocols around the venue were tight but efficient, with well-managed ticketing and entry checks helping avoid the chaotic scenes that marred the 2023 Copa America final held at the same stadium. There was also no sign that broader political tensions, such as the U.S. administration’s immigration policies, had any impact on the diverse crowd, particularly in heavily Hispanic South Florida.

Despite the 0-0 scoreline, the match was full of action. Al Ahly had the better of the opening half, carving open Miami’s defense with relative ease. Emam Ashour was denied early on after a clever assist from Trezeguet, and Palestinian forward Wessam Abou Ali had a goal disallowed for offside before seeing another powerful shot tipped over by Ustari.

The penalty came when Zizo was brought down by Telasco Segovia, but Trezeguet’s tame attempt was easily blocked, and he failed to capitalize on the rebound.

Inter Miami looked far more dangerous after the interval. Messi nearly broke the deadlock in the 64th minute with a precise free-kick that clipped the outside of the post and brushed the side netting, briefly fooling parts of the crowd into believing he had scored. His closest moment came late on after a clever short-corner routine, but El Shenawy again stood tall.

Next up for Miami is a clash with Portuguese giants Porto in Atlanta on Thursday, followed by a home game against Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras on Monday. Although facing a challenging group, head coach Javier Mascherano remained hopeful.

Speaking after the game, Mascherano said the team showed their true potential after the break and insisted that if they play with similar confidence moving forward, they can compete with any side in the tournament.

Al Ahly’s newly appointed manager Jose Riveiro, leading the team for the first time, felt his players should have wrapped up the match in the opening 45 minutes. He emphasized that missed chances were costly but was deeply impressed by the atmosphere created by the club’s loyal fans.

Riveiro noted that playing in Florida felt more like a home match than a neutral venue, thanks to the overwhelming support from the stands—something he said is rare and special, and speaks volumes about the club’s global appeal.

Inter Miami vs Al Ahly Highlights

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

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