Al Ahly vs Inter Miami: Messi and Co Held to 0-0 Draw in Club World Cup 2025 Opener.
Pre-Match Build-Up
7:00 PM ET: The Hard Rock Stadium is buzzing with anticipation as 60,927 fans fill the stands for the inaugural match of the revamped 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and coached by Javier Mascherano, face Al Ahly, the 12-time CAF Champions League winners. Despite concerns over ticket sales, Al Ahly fans are out in force, waving flags and chanting, with some even sporting Barcelona colors in homage to Messi’s legacy.
7:30 PM ET: The opening ceremony, featuring performers Vikina and Richaelio, sets the stage for a global spectacle. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, recently knighted as Sir David, is spotted in the stands. Al Ahly, under new coach Jose Riveiro, are coming off a warm-up match draw against Pachuca, while Inter Miami are riding high after a 5-1 MLS win over Columbus Crew, with Messi scoring twice and assisting three times.
Team News: Inter Miami are without Jordi Alba and Yannick Bright due to injuries, with Noah Allen starting at left-back and Benjamin Cremaschi partnering Busquets in midfield. Al Ahly field a strong 4-2-3-1 lineup, with Mahmoud Trezeguet, Emam Ashour, and Wessam Abou Ali leading the attack behind captain Mohamed El Shenawy in goal.
Predicted Lineups:
Inter Miami (4-4-2): Ustari; Weigandt, Fray, Aviles, Allen; Cremaschi, Busquets, Redondo, Allende; Messi, Suarez.
Al Ahly (4-2-3-1): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, El Aash, El Debes; Reda, Attia; Bencharki, Ashour, Trezeguet; Abou Ali.
7:55 PM ET: Both teams take the field, with Messi receiving a thunderous ovation. Al Ahly, in their traditional red, kick off the tournament, signaling a lively start.
First Half: Al Ahly Dominate, Ustari Shines
1’: Al Ahly waste no time, launching an early attack with a sharp switch of play. Busquets intercepts, but the Egyptians look composed in possession.
5’: Al Ahly’s Ben Romdhane beats the offside trap and lays off to Emam Ashour, whose shot is brilliantly saved by Oscar Ustari. The 38-year-old goalkeeper, a long-time friend of Messi, is already proving his worth.
10’: Inter Miami struggle to find rhythm, with Al Ahly’s high press disrupting their build-up. Trezeguet weaves through defenders but is stopped by a perfectly timed tackle from Drake Fray.
20’: Messi’s first real involvement comes as he attempts a through ball to Suarez, but Al Ahly’s center-backs, Ibrahim and El Aash, stand firm. The crowd chants “MESSI!” but the Argentine is yet to find his groove.
30’: Al Ahly are in control, with Trezeguet causing havoc on the left. A dangerous move sees Abou Ali flagged offside, but the Egyptian striker’s movement is troubling Miami’s defense. The score remains 0-0.
40’: Controversy! Al Ahly are awarded a penalty after a dubious call against Inter Miami’s Weigandt for a challenge on Abou Ali. Trezeguet steps up, but Ustari dives to his right to make a stunning save, keeping the score level. The Hard Rock Stadium erupts.
45’+2’: Messi nearly produces magic with an olimpico attempt from a corner, but El Shenawy punches clear. Moments later, Messi draws five defenders and finds Allende, who is denied by a last-ditch challenge. Inter Miami end the half strongly after surviving Al Ahly’s onslaught.
Halftime: Al Ahly 0-0 Inter Miami
Al Ahly dominated the first half, with Abou Ali and Trezeguet creating multiple chances, but Ustari’s heroics, especially the penalty save, keep Inter Miami in the game. Messi has been quiet, but his late involvement hints at a potential second-half spark.
Second Half: Messi Awakens, El Shenawy Stands Tall
46’: Inter Miami start the second half with more intent, with Redondo and Cremaschi pressing higher. Al Ahly, however, remain composed, playing out from the back.
53’: El Shenawy makes a bold run out of his box to clear a through ball, sprinting back just in time to thwart an Inter Miami attack. The Al Ahly captain is commanding his area.
59’: Ustari pulls off another superb save, this time on a possibly deflected long-range shot from Al Ahly’s Bencharki. The veteran goalkeeper is having a night to remember.
61’: Messi draws a free kick 22 yards out after a foul by El Debes. The crowd holds its breath as he curls a low shot around the wall, grazing the outside of the net. So close! An Al Ahly fan waves a Barcelona flag, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
65’: Al Ahly make substitutions, with Trezeguet and Ben Romdhane replaced by Taher Mohamed and Hussein El Shahat. El Shahat tests Ustari with a quick shot, but the keeper is equal to it. The changes signal Al Ahly’s willingness to settle for a draw.
70’: Inter Miami’s buildup play improves, with Cremaschi and Redondo linking up. Al Ahly’s Koka breaks up a dangerous move but takes a knock and requires treatment. Mascherano uses the pause to give instructions to Cremaschi.
73’: Luis Suarez, quiet for much of the game, presses Al Ahly’s defenders and wins a foul. Moments later, Messi’s corner finds Redondo, whose header goes just wide. Inter Miami are growing into the game.
79’: Al Ahly’s El Shahat wins a corner after dazzling wing play. The set-piece is cleared, and Inter Miami counter, with Messi teeing up Fafa Picault for a header that El Shenawy saves brilliantly. The Al Ahly keeper is matching Ustari save for save.
90’+3’: Messi nearly steals it! He whips a left-footed shot from a tight angle, aiming for the top-right corner, but El Shenawy tips it onto the bar. The crowd gasps as Al Ahly clear the danger. What a save.
Full Time: Al Ahly 0-0 Inter Miami
A thrilling goalless draw sees both teams earn a point in the Club World Cup opener. Oscar Ustari’s penalty save and Mohamed El Shenawy’s late heroics define a match where defenses reigned supreme. Messi grew into the game but couldn’t find the decisive moment, while Al Ahly’s first-half dominance wasn’t enough to secure victory.
Post-Match Reaction
Oscar Ustari, Player of the Match: Speaking to FIFA, Ustari downplays his heroics: “This is more about the team than about being a hero. We fought hard, and I’m proud of everyone.” His penalty save and close-range stops were pivotal, a stark contrast to his inconsistent MLS form. The 38-year-old, a close friend of Messi from their Argentina youth days, proved his worth tonight.
Wessam Abou Ali, Al Ahly Striker: The Egyptian forward expresses frustration: “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.” Abou Ali’s movement troubled Miami’s defense, but he was thwarted by Ustari and offside calls.
Lionel Messi’s Performance: Despite a quiet first half, Messi came alive after the break, finishing with 2 shots on target, 2 shots hitting the woodwork, 3/4 successful dribbles, 2 key passes, and an 8.1 match rating. His near-misses, including a free kick and a stoppage-time shot, kept Al Ahly on edge.
Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Coach: “We struggled early, but the second half showed our character. Oscar [Ustari] was phenomenal, and we created enough to win. Al Ahly are a strong side, so a point is a fair start.” Mascherano’s tactical tweaks at halftime helped Miami gain control.
Jose Riveiro, Al Ahly Coach: “We played a great game, especially in the first half. We created many chances, but their goalkeeper was outstanding. I’m proud of the team, and we’ll build on this.” Riveiro’s debut as Al Ahly boss showcased the team’s attacking prowess.
Fan Reaction: Al Ahly fans, who turned out in strong numbers, celebrated their team’s performance, with one waving a Barcelona flag in a nod to Messi. Inter Miami supporters, while disappointed, appreciated Ustari’s heroics and Messi’s second-half brilliance. Social media posts praised the goalkeepers, with one calling it “a masterclass in shot-stopping.”
Key Moments
43’: Oscar Ustari saves Trezeguet’s penalty, keeping the score 0-0.
61’: Messi’s free kick curls just wide, grazing the outside of the net.
79’: El Shenawy denies Fafa Picault’s header from Messi’s pinpoint cross.
90’+3’: El Shenawy tips Messi’s shot onto the bar, preserving the draw.
Match Statistics
Possession: Al Ahly 52%, Inter Miami 48%
Shots (On Target): Al Ahly 12 (5), Inter Miami 10 (4)
Corners: Al Ahly 6, Inter Miami 5
Fouls: Al Ahly 12, Inter Miami 14
Offsides: Al Ahly 3, Inter Miami 1
Player of the Match: Oscar Ustari (Inter Miami)
Analysis
Inter Miami survived a first-half onslaught from Al Ahly, who showcased their experience as 12-time African champions. Wessam Abou Ali and Trezeguet exposed Miami’s defensive frailties, but Ustari’s heroics, particularly the penalty save, shifted momentum. Messi, quiet early on, grew into the game, creating chances for Picault and Redondo while nearly scoring himself. Al Ahly’s El Shenawy matched Ustari with crucial saves, ensuring a share of the points.
The draw is a fair result, with both teams showing quality in a match defined by goalkeeping excellence. For Inter Miami, the point is a solid start in a tough Group A, which includes FC Porto and Palmeiras. Al Ahly, despite their dominance, will rue missed chances but remain a formidable force.
What’s Next?
Inter Miami: Face FC Porto on June 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (3:00 PM ET). A fresher Miami side will need to sharpen their attack to secure points against the Portuguese giants.
Al Ahly: Take on Palmeiras on June 23 at Hard Rock Stadium (9:00 PM ET). The Egyptians will look to convert their chances against the Brazilian side.
How to Watch
All Club World Cup matches, including this opener, are available to stream for free on DAZN in the United States and other regions with DAZN access. In the UK, the match was broadcast on free-to-air Channel 5. For live streaming options in other countries, check local listings or DAZN’s platform.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opened with a thrilling 0-0 draw, showcasing the global appeal of club football. Oscar Ustari and Mohamed El Shenawy stole the show, while Lionel Messi’s second-half brilliance nearly tipped the scales. Both Inter Miami and Al Ahly leave Miami Gardens with a point and plenty of positives as they prepare for their next Group A challenges. Stay tuned for more Club World Cup action as the tournament unfolds across the United States.
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