Inter Miami 0-0 Al Ahly result: Lionel Messi denied dramatic late winner in FIFA Club World Cup opener dominated by goalkeeper heroics

Lionel Messi almost produced a last-gasp winner as his Inter Miami side were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw with Egyptian champions Al Ahly in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.

The Argentina icon saw an audacious chip tipped onto the bar by the excellent Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy deep in added time before El Shenawy then used his head to prevent a Maximiliano Falcón header from finding the net seconds later.

In truth, a goalless draw between the Group A rivals was about right, with the home side recovering strongly after 12-time CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly dominated the first period on a hot and humid night.

Indeed, it was Inter goalkeeper Oscar Ustari who produced a player-of-the-match display with several outstanding stops, including a fine save from a Trezeguet penalty on 43 minutes after Zizo had been felled by Telasco Segovia.

"It was a great performance and we knew it was going to be difficult and so many of us are enjoying this experience – including me at my age – and I think we did really well today," said Ustari on Channel 5.

"We have to go game by game, it's a really special tournament.

"Now we have to rest well and we go again".

The draw is not the ideal outcome for both sides, with Al Ahly next facing Palmeiras of Brazil on Thursday as Inter take on former UEFA Champions League winners Porto.

"I think I am happy with the performance, it was much better in the second half," said the Inter coach.

"We could improve in the second half with the transitions, as in the first half we lost some balls that gave them some transitions which were very dangerous."

It somehow ends Inter Miami 0-0 Al Ahly. Not for the lack of trying. Two goalkeepers taking the plaudits, and it is a point apiece for both teams from an entertaining opening match.

This time it is Mohamed El Shenawy off his line to make the stop with his head from the Maximiliano Falcón header. That is remarkable.

Messi with an audacious chip towards goal. Was heading into the top corner, but Mohamed El Shenawy makes a fabulous save to tip that onto the bar as the ball drops over.

Will either side be able to carve out one last chance in this battle? Attia has been booked for a late tackle on Weigandt. All a bit chaotic in added time. Seems Suarez has also been yellow carded for dissent.

Whatever you do, a point is better than nothing for both teams in this tournament opener.

Old habits die hard for Busquets, who sees a yellow late on. Not sure what that was for. Assume for a late challenge, but rather it is for a spot of good old-fashioned dissent.

Majestic little run and chip by Messi. Picault heads down into the ground, but Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy makes a fine diving stop to nudge the ball over the bar. Phew! So, so close.

Fafà Picault replaces Tadeo Allende for the closing moments. Has all gone a bit more cagey in closing moments of this match. Hany forced to head the Messi free-kick behind his own goal.

Does the draw suit any of these teams this evening? Porto and Palmeiras to come. So would suggest this is the best chance of victory for both sides.

A real hot night when shirts are dripping with serious amounts of sweat. Mohamed Magdi Kafsha replaces Zizo with Nejc Gradisar on for Wessam Abou Ali.

Superb ball right into the heart of the Al Ahly box. Almost found the head of Busquets before Redondo nods wide as he raced in from deep.

This game could yet go anywhere. Has been much more even in the second half. Benjamín Cremaschi replaces Telasco Segovia for the home team. Yasser with a vital last-ditch challenge to prevent Suarez from getting a shot at goal.

Medics are on with Ahmed Koka seeming to take a shuddering hit on a knee. Thankfully, doesn't appear to be too serious as he returns to the action.

But this man has certainly earned his wage packet so far this evening.

Looked like Al Ahly would rack up four or five in the first period, but Inter Miami have been much better in the second half. Hussein El Shahat with a hopeful shot from distance, but easy pickings for Ustari.

A double change for the Egyptian side as Taher Mohamed replaces Trézéguet and Hussein El Shahat takes over from Mohamed Ben Romdhane.

Goes low around the wall, but just fails to get enough movement on the ball as it nestles in the side netting. A few people thought that had hit the back of the rigging. So did Messi for a split second. Remains 0-0.

Really is difficult to track down when he is in full flow. This time he is chopped to the deck by Marwan Attia. Free-kick chance for Messi.