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Messi denied late as Miami held by Al Ahli to open Club World Cup

Lionel Messi showed flashes of his brilliance as his Inter Miami side were held to a goalless draw by African giants Al Ahly in the revamped Club World Cup opener.

In front of more than 60,000 fans at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami survived a first half onslaught by 12-time African champion Al Ahly, which was denied a potential winning goal from the penalty spot when Trézéguet's effort was stopped by goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

Miami had scoring chances in the second half, with Messi shaving the post with a free kick and then hitting the bar with a curling effort from long range in added time.