Messi kicks off Club World Cup before the debut of two European giants: PSG and Atlético Madrid

Lionel Messi played his first game at the opening of the Club World Cup in the United States on Saturday, which will feature its first big matchup on Sunday, the battle between European giants PSG and Atlético Madrid.

The Argentine star, who will turn 38 in 10 days, hit the crossbar seconds before the end of his Inter Miami team's scoreless draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.

The revamped FIFA competition, which brings together 32 teams from around the world, attracted nearly 61,000 spectators at its inaugural kickoff. However, the start was not so positive for the MLS team, which had a first half to forget. There were few good takeaways apart for Oscar Ustari stopping a penalty to Egyptian international Trezeguet at the end of the first half.

"There is still a long way to go, let's hope" we can advance further, said the Argentine goalkeeper at the end of the match, which was attended by thousands of fans of Al Ahly, the most winning side in the African Champions League with 12 crowns. The game had an opening show starring Latin artists Vikina and Richaelio.

Porto vs. Palmeiras

Inter Miami, with Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets and Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez in the starting lineup, got some fresh air in the second half thanks to the left foot of their No. 10, who was active in passing and shooting,  but Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy played like a star.

The thrilling parity, however, leaves the door open for both teams to have to row from behind in case there is a winner in the other Group A match between Palmeiras of Brazil and Porto of Portugal on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

Palmeiras has been a top club in South America in the last five years, with two Copa Libertadores wins in 2020 and 2021. The “Verdão,” led by promising attacker Estêvão, hopes to give a blow to the Dragões, led by another young star, Portuguese playmaker Rodrigo Mora, also 18 years old.

Clash of the titans: PSG vs Atlético Madrid

However, the most anticipated match of Sunday's matchday is the one between Paris Saint-Germain, recently proclaimed king of Europe after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final; and Atlético Madrid, a team eliminated from Europe's top competition after controversial refereeing in their match against Real Madrid.

The Parisians, without the injured Ousmane Dembele, will open against Diego Simeone's “Atleti” in Group B at the century-old Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, Calif., (with nearly 90,000 seats), east of Los Angeles, site of the 1994 World Cup final.

"If we're talking about winning trophies, improving on what we've done this season will be impossible. But there is still this Club World Cup," said the Parisians' coach, Spaniard Luis Enrique.

Botafogo Brazil and the Seattle Sounders of the United States will complete the first matchday of Group B key in Seattle.

The first European team to enter the fray in the Club World Cup, which in its previous versions was contested by seven teams, will be Bayern Munich, when they take on New Zealand's Auckland City in Cincinnati in the Group C opener.