Club World Cup: Messi Denied Late Winner as Inter Miami Draw 0–0 with Al Ahly

 

Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi gestures during the Club World Cup 2025 Group A football match between Egypt's Al-Ahly and US Inter Miami at the Hard Rock stadium in Miami on June 14, 2025. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)

Firstsitenews-Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were forced to settle for a goalless draw against Egypt’s Al Ahly in the opening match of FIFA’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup, played on Saturday in front of 60,927 fans in Florida.

Messi nearly provided a dramatic finish, but his stoppage-time curling effort from outside the box was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, as Inter Miami pushed hard for a late winner.

Al Ahly, backed by more than 10,000 traveling fans, missed a golden opportunity earlier in the game when Egypt international Trezeguet saw his first-half penalty saved by Miami’s Argentine keeper Oscar Ustari.

El Shenawy proved crucial at both ends, later denying a last-minute header from Maxi Falcon to ensure the Egyptian champions held on for a point in the Group A clash.

For FIFA, the night was largely a success, with strong attendance and smooth organization despite earlier doubts about interest in the tournament. The absence of goals was the only downside in an otherwise energetic and well-contested opener.

The Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, was nearly full by kick-off, as enthusiastic Al Ahly supporters arrived early and created a vibrant atmosphere with singing and chanting.

Security arrangements were notably improved, with a streamlined ticketing and screening system in place far from the stadium gates, avoiding the chaotic scenes seen during last year’s Copa America final held at the same venue.

On the field, the match offered plenty of excitement despite the scoreline. Al Ahly dominated early proceedings, carving through Inter Miami’s defense with ease. Emam Ashour was denied by Ustari after a clever assist from Trezeguet, while Palestine international Wessam Abou Ali had a goal ruled out for offside and saw another powerful effort tipped over the bar.

The penalty drama unfolded when Telasco Segovia brought down Zizo inside the box, but Trezeguet’s tame attempt from the spot was easily parried, and he failed to convert the rebound.

Inter Miami improved significantly after halftime, with Messi coming close in the 64th minute with a free kick that clipped the outside of the post and side-netting, deceiving some fans into thinking it had gone in.

In added time, Messi again came close after a short-corner routine, but El Shenawy’s fingertip save kept the match level.

Inter Miami now prepares to face Portugal’s FC Porto in Atlanta on Thursday before returning to host Brazil’s Palmeiras on Monday. Head coach Javier Mascherano remained optimistic after the draw.

“We leave with the feeling that we could’ve won it in the second half,” said the former Argentina captain. “We must build on that performance play without fear. When we play like that, we can compete with any team.”

Al Ahly’s coach, Spaniard Jose Riveiro, who recently took over ahead of the tournament, felt his side missed a chance to seal the game earlier.

“We created enough chances in the first half to take control,” he said, while also commending the passionate support from the club’s fans.