An Argentine named Ustari, not Messi, shines for Inter Miami and earns MVP in first CWC game

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — An Argentine not named Messi was the MVP for Inter Miami in the Club World Cup on Saturday night. The star in the tournament opener was goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

Ustari made eight saves, including on a penalty kick and a 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.

Before joining Inter Miami, Ustari was captain of Pachuca, also in the tournament, but faced controversy because Grupo Pachuca also owns Club León, which was removed by FIFA and had its appeal rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Ustari made 124 appearances with the Tuzos before playing briefly for Audax Italiano in the first division of Chile. He was signed as a free agent in September 2024 by Inter Miami. He has played 22 games, including eight in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

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.”

What Suárez said

“We didn’t think their keeper would make so many saves, he was the key player in the game along with Oscar in the first half, but that shows that goalkeepers can earn you points as well.” — Luis Suárez, Inter Miami forward.

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