Ustari the Wall: Inter Miami’s Hero of Club World Cup Opener

Inter Miami’s veteran goalkeeper, Óscar Ustari, was voted Man of the Match in the goalless draw against Al Ahly in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The 38-year-old Argentine defied all odds, producing a breathtaking series of saves—including a decisive penalty stop—to preserve a clean sheet.

• Ustari thwarted Mahmoud Trézéguet from 12 yards in the first half, a key moment that kept the home side in the game.

• He finished with eight saves, five from inside the box, along with a remarkable 87% pass accuracy and seven out of ten long balls completed.

• Despite the spotlight on Messi’s late free-kick attempts, it was Ustari’s heroics that earned him MVP honors with a Sofascore rating of 9.7.

What They Said

Óscar Ustari humbly shared:

“I was named MVP, but [El‑Shenawy] easily could’ve won it as well… I’m left with the feeling that we could’ve scored.”

Underscoring his importance, coach Javier Mascherano added that Ustari’s performance “kept us alive in the first half” and deserved full praise.

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Key Takeaway

In Miami’s 0–0 draw to begin Group A, it was Óscar Ustari’s dominance between the posts—especially the penalty save—that ensured they secured a valuable point. With matches ahead against FC Porto and Palmeiras, there's no doubt Miami will rely heavily on their veteran keeper’s composure and skill.

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Congratulations to the hero of the night—Ustari delivered, and the chase for supremacy in Group A continues.