Al Ahly Holds Messi’s Inter Miami to Goalless Draw in FIFA Club World Cup Opener

MIAMI, June 15, 2025 – The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with a dramatic 0-0 draw as Egyptian champions Al Ahly frustrated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in front of more than 60,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium. Despite a star-studded Miami lineup and a fervent home crowd, Al Ahly’s disciplined defense and a standout goalkeeping display from Inter Miami’s Óscar Ustari defined the night.

Al Ahly, fresh off their 2023-24 CAF Champions League triumph, started strongly and nearly took the lead when Trezeguet won a penalty late in the first half. However, Ustari denied the Egyptian forward from the spot in the 43rd minute, capping a first half in which he made several crucial saves to keep Miami in the contest.

The Cairo club suffered an early setback when influential midfielder Emam Ashour was stretchered off after a collision in the 14th minute and replaced by Zizo. Ashour’s departure briefly shifted momentum, giving Inter Miami their first real chance as Messi fired a free kick just over the bar.

In the second half, Inter Miami pressed for a winner. Messi orchestrated several dangerous attacks, including a curling free kick that grazed the side netting and a spectacular long-range effort in stoppage time that forced a fingertip save from Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy. Substitute Fafà Picault also came close with a late header, but El-Shenawy again denied the hosts.

For Al Ahly, midfielder Hussein El Shahat—who holds the record for most FIFA Club World Cup appearances—anchored a resilient performance, while the team’s preparation included a high-scoring friendly loss to CF Pachuca and participation in FIFA’s promotional events ahead of the tournament.

The result leaves both teams with a point in Group A, setting up crucial encounters against European giants FC Porto and Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras in the coming days. The top two sides from the group will advance to the round of 16.

Despite the lack of goals, the match showcased the global appeal of the expanded Club World Cup, with Messi’s presence drawing a massive crowd and television audience. Both teams now turn their focus to securing a place in the knockout stages as the tournament continues in Miami.