Inter Miami sent Lionel Messi 'options' ultimatum by head coach Javier Mascherano after Herons held to goalless draw by Al Ahly in FIFA Club World Cup opener

Inter Miami opened their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Al Ahly. Messi came closest to scoring for the Herons but was denied by the crossbar in stoppage time, as the Egyptian Premier League side's goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, tipped his shot onto the woodwork.

Despite a strong finish to their Club World Cup opener, Inter Miami lacked rhythm in attack, as they have all season long under Mascherano. The Major League Soccer side are under pressure to progress, especially with the spotlight firmly on Messi in what is likely his final Club World Cup campaign. As such, Mascherano has urged his side to give him better service through the game.

Speaking to the media, Mascherano said: "Clearly, when we find Leo in positions and get the ball to him in the best way, that's where we have the most options.

"We take it game by game. We know that the level will clearly rise in the next game because they're a European opponent, but we have to stay with the feeling that it's eleven against eleven.

"Anything can happen in football."

The Herons are set to go up against a European side for the first-ever time in an official game when they face off against Porto on Thursday, June 19, in their second Club World Cup group-stage clash.