Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami were held to a goalless draw by Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly in a tense Group A clash to kick off the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.
Messi Denied Late Winner as Inter Miami Draw Al Ahly in Club World Cup Opener
Despite a lively second-half display led by Messi, who nearly stole the win with a stoppage-time strike, the match ended 0-0. The Argentine icon rattled the crossbar late on after his curling effort was tipped by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, capping off a night of missed chances.
Al Ahly, backed by a sea of traveling fans, were the better side in the first half and came close to taking the lead. A penalty in the 43rd minute, awarded after Zizo was clipped by Telasco Segovia, saw Trezeguet step up, only to be denied by veteran Inter keeper Oscar Ustari.
The Major League Soccer side looked transformed in the second half, controlling possession and pressing for a breakthrough. Messi saw a free-kick glance the side netting and also set up Fafà Picault for a late header, which was again stopped by El Shenawy.
Messi’s influence grew as the match wore on, with fans rising to their feet for his every touch. But it was not enough to break down the African champions, who held firm under heavy pressure.
Inter head coach Javier Mascherano admitted his team took time to settle into the game.
“I’m happy with the performance. It was much better in the second half,” Mascherano told DAZN. “In the first period, we lost some balls and some transitions, where they are very dangerous. We dominated the second half and had the chances to win the game.”
Ustari, who was instrumental in keeping the score level, highlighted the growth of the young Miami side.
“We’re a very young team, and some people don’t see it, but Inter made history. They’ve only been developing for a few years, and today they’re playing in the Club World Cup, so we have to value that,” Ustari said.
“We finish with the feeling that we could have scored, and I think we were superior.”
Al Ahly forward Wessam Abou Ali expressed disappointment with the outcome.
“I’m disappointed with the result. We could have taken all three points. We respect Inter Miami and their big-name players, but we could’ve finished the game in the first half by scoring three or four goals.”
Meanwhile, Al Ahly coach Jose Riviera praised the atmosphere and remained optimistic.
“It seems like we were playing in Cairo. It was a big surprise for me in my first match. Hopefully, next time, we can give them a victory.”
A crowd of over 60,000 turned out for the fixture, showcasing the tournament’s strong start on U.S. soil. The atmosphere remained electric despite the lack of goals, with fans from both sides in full voice throughout the evening.
Inter Miami will next face FC Porto in Atlanta, while Al Ahly meet Brazilian side Palmeiras in New York on Thursday. Both sides remain in contention in what’s shaping up to be a closely contested Group A.