Javier Mascherano believes Inter Miami’s show of their Membership World Cup opener proves they “can beat anybody”.
Miami performed out an entertaining 0-0 draw with Egyptian champions Al Ahly within the opener of the revamped Membership World Cup.
Oscar Ustari was the star for the Herons, saving Trezeguet’s first-half penalty as Al Ahly pushed for an opener.
Miami may have gained it on the dying, although, with Lionel Messi, who had struck the woodwork simply after the hour, brilliantly denied by Mohamed El Shenawy’s fingertip save onto the crossbar deep into stoppage time.
Mascherano’s aspect had extra pictures (14), however couldn’t discover a breakthrough, with this simply the third scoreless draw Messi’s membership groups have performed in his final 108 begins, courting again to February 2022.
However the head coach was optimistic after the match, claiming his aspect despatched out a press release.
“I’m pleased with the efficiency. We have been higher within the second half, created possibilities and managed the sport,” Mascherano mentioned.
“We knew Al Ahly are a powerful aspect. Within the first half, we struggled with nerves and a few pressure, however total, we left a superb impression.
“Clearly, we wished to win as a result of we all know how necessary it’s to start out with a win, however I’m pleased with the platform.
“With this stage of play, we are able to beat anybody.”
Stay take a look at Mohamed El Shenawy and Oscar Ustari within the #FIFACWC opener… pic.twitter.com/ck7jQvstiF
— FIFA Membership World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 15, 2025
Al Ahly might really feel barely unfortunate to not have gotten on the scoresheet as that they had 11 pictures, eight of which have been heading in the right direction, whereas accumulating 2.0 anticipated targets (xG).
Additionally they had 5 Opta-defined ‘huge’ possibilities, in comparison with Miami’s three, and ahead Wessam Abou Ali rued their missed alternatives.
“I’m disillusioned with the outcome,” he mentioned. “We may have taken all three factors.
“We respect Inter Miami and their big-name gamers, however we may have completed the sport within the first half by scoring three or 4 targets. The gang was unimaginable; 80% have been our followers, which is superb.”
Al Ahly may also now be with out midfielder Emam Ashour, who was denied early on by Ustari, after he suffered a damaged collarbone, which compelled him off after simply 14 minutes.
Al Ahly tackle Palmeiras of their subsequent Group A sport on Thursday, with Miami dealing with Porto later that day.
