An Argentine not named Messi was the MVP for Inter Miami in the Club World Cup on Saturday night. The hero in the tournament opener was goaltender Oscar Ustari.
Ustari made eight saves, including a penalty and goal-line intervention, as Miami played Egypt’s Al Ahly to a scoreless draw in the Group A tournament opener. Ustari’s save of a header in the 33rd minute was second only to stopping Trezeguet’s penalty just before halftime and making sure danger was averted when the ball bounced back to Al Ahly’s forward.
The 38-year-old Ustari returned to a World Cup stage in this new Club World Cup format for the first time since winning the U-20 World Cup in 2005 — with none other than Messi, Inter Miami’s captain.
What Ustari said
“I don’t like to talk about myself. The team did a great job defensively and that is what I most care about.”
“I remember being retired and knew that my return would come on a field, so I’m very happy about it (being back).”
“I thought we were superior, that’s what I think. The game left me with good feelings, but our next rival is very different.”
