The brand new-look FIFA Membership World Cup (CWC) has begun, kicking off with a goalless sport between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Al Ahly.
Whereas many would have anticipated the Argentine legend to be named “man of the match”, it was Miami’s goalkeeper that took residence the accolade – Oscar Ustari made eight saves, together with one from the penalty spot.
Messi nearly gained the match late on with a long-range effort, just for Al Ahly keeper Mohamed El Shenawy to show his effort on to the bar.
Additionally in attendance was the newly knighted David Beckham – or Sir David as he’ll quickly be recognized.
Earlier than its revamp for the 2025 event, the Membership World Cup came about each winter and was contested by the winners of continental membership competitions all over the world.
It’ll now happen each 4 years. FIFA has confronted criticism across the 32-team event, with some gamers elevating issues in regards to the relentless fixture schedule.
Europe has 12 golf equipment within the event, together with Premier League golf equipment Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis. Their areas had been allotted based mostly on performances within the Champions League over 4 seasons.
Picture:
Lionel Messi (10) of Inter Miami CF seems on throughout the FIFA Membership World Cup Group A sport. Pic: AP
A backdrop of unrest in America
The CWC begins in opposition to the backdrop of immigration raids and violent protests in Los Angeles with issues followers may very well be focused or denied entry to FIFA occasions.
It additionally the primary time a serious sport has returned to the Laborious Rock stadium in 11 months.
The final match, the Copa America remaining noticed ticketless followers breaching safety gates and leaping over railings to enter the stadium, delaying kick off for 80 minutes.
