Club World Cup Opener: Messi’s Inter Miami Draws Egypt’s Al Ahly 0-0/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly played to a 0-0 draw in the Club World Cup opener. Lionel Messi came close to a stoppage-time winner, but Al Ahly’s goalkeeper made crucial saves. Both teams now face tougher group matches ahead.
Messi’s Inter Miami Draws Al Ahly 0-0: Quick Looks
- Inter Miami and Al Ahly open Club World Cup with scoreless draw.
- Lionel Messi hit the woodwork twice in the second half.
- Al Ahly’s Mohamed Elshenawy denied Messi a late winner.
- Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari saved a first-half penalty.
- Al Ahly dominated the first half with multiple scoring chances.
- Group A includes strong opponents: Palmeiras and Porto.
- Both teams will need points in their next group matches.
- Over 60,000 fans watched the game in Miami Gardens.
- Messi’s presence brought star power despite lack of goals.
- Coaches praised the competition but rued missed chances.
Club World Cup Opener: Messi’s Inter Miami Draws Egypt’s Al Ahly 0-0
Deep Look
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with drama and near-misses as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly played to a hard-fought 0-0 draw Saturday night in Miami Gardens. In a game that featured moments of brilliance, last-ditch saves, and goal-post heartbreak, both clubs walked away with a single point and everything still to play for in Group A.
Messi Nearly Delivers Magic
Lionel Messi, the tournament’s most high-profile player, came closest to breaking the deadlock in front of a passionate crowd exceeding 60,000. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, the Argentine star let fly a trademark curling shot from distance. It was destined for the top corner until Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy managed to tip it onto the crossbar with a spectacular save.
Messi had earlier grazed the post with a free kick, as Inter Miami enjoyed a much-improved second-half performance following a shaky start.
First-Half Dominance by Al Ahly
The 12-time African champions looked like the stronger side early on, creating a flurry of chances and dominating possession. Veteran Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was called into action multiple times, including a crucial double save just before halftime. Ustari, 38, stopped a 43rd-minute penalty from former Premier League winger Trezeguet and reacted swiftly to smother the rebound.
It was a display of resilience from Miami, who could easily have been behind before the break.
Second-Half Shift
While Al Ahly controlled much of the first half, the tide shifted in the second as Miami grew into the match. With Messi orchestrating play, the MLS side found its rhythm and began to threaten Elshenawy’s goal more consistently.
Still, despite the increased pressure, neither team managed to convert, and the match ended without a goal—a result that keeps the group wide open.
Coaches React
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano saw the positives despite the draw. “It was a good party for football,” he said post-match. “It’s a new competition and a chance to measure ourselves against unfamiliar teams. It was a good test.”
Al Ahly’s Wessam Abou Ali, however, expressed frustration. “I’m disappointed with the result. We should’ve won. We had the chances to score three or four in the first half.”
What’s Next
With Palmeiras of Brazil and Portugal’s FC Porto looming in Group A, both Inter Miami and Al Ahly face must-win scenarios in their upcoming fixtures to secure progression to the round of 16. Only the top two teams in the group will advance.
For Inter Miami, Saturday’s performance—while goalless—showed flashes of promise. Al Ahly, meanwhile, will regret not capitalizing on their early dominance but remain firmly in contention.
As the tournament continues, all eyes will remain on Messi and whether the aging superstar can still lift his team in clutch moments. For now, Inter Miami and Al Ahly are level on points and on notice.
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