FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Messi denied late winner as Inter Miami held to 0-0 draw by Al Ahly
The much-anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with a dramatic goalless draw between Inter Miami and African giants Al Ahly, as Lionel Messi was denied a stoppage-time winner in front of a packed crowd of 60,927 at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida.
In what was billed as the marquee clash of Group A, all eyes were on Messi, but it was Al Ahly's goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy who emerged as the hero, pulling off several decisive saves, including a stunning fingertip stop to deny Messi’s curling effort in added time.
Messi almost wins it for Miami
The Argentine legend came closest to breaking the deadlock in the dying minutes of the match. After a cleverly worked short corner routine, Messi unleashed a trademark left-footed curler from 20 yards out. But El Shenawy, showing elite reflexes and positioning, pushed the ball onto the crossbar in what proved to be the final act of the game.
Messi had earlier come close in the 64th minute, with a free-kick that grazed the post and hit the side-netting, briefly tricking a large section of the crowd into believing he had scored.
While Inter Miami finished stronger, it was Al Ahly who dominated the first half and will be disappointed not to have taken their chances. Egypt international Trezeguet had a golden opportunity to put the Egyptian side ahead from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after Zizo was brought down in the box. However, his weak effort was parried away by Oscar Ustari, and he failed to convert the rebound.
Denmark-born Palestine international Wessam Abou Ali also had two strong efforts denied by Ustari, including one fierce strike tipped over the bar and another ruled out for offside.
Strong Miami finish encourages Mascherano
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano remained upbeat despite the draw, pointing to the team’s improved second-half display.
“The truth is, we leave with the feeling that we could have won it in the second half,” said the Argentine tactician. “Going forward, we have to do what we did in the second half—play without fear. If we do that, we can compete with any team.”
Al Ahly's support shines in Miami
One of the standout stories of the night was the massive turnout from Al Ahly’s traveling supporters. Over 10,000 fans of the record 12-time CAF Champions League winners turned the Florida venue into a sea of red, creating a vibrant and deafening atmosphere that made it feel like a home match for the Egyptian side.
New head coach Jose Riveiro, in his first official match in charge, praised the fans’ impact:
“It felt like we were playing in Cairo. That’s something that can probably only happen at this club,” said Riveiro. “We should have finished the game in the first half.”
A Promising Start to FIFA’s New-Look Club World Cup
While the lack of goals may have been the only dampener, FIFA officials will be pleased with the turnout and smooth logistics for the opening night of the newly-expanded 32-team format. The revamped tournament structure aims to mirror the format of the men’s World Cup, with teams from every continent vying for global supremacy.
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The fixture also highlighted the growing appeal of global club football in the U.S., with the Hard Rock Stadium filled almost to capacity.
What’s next for Inter Miami and Al Ahly?
Inter Miami will next face Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto in Atlanta on Thursday before hosting Brazilian champions Palmeiras on Monday, two crucial fixtures that could determine their progression.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, will look to bounce back with matches against the same opponents and aim to make their mark in the group stage, where every point is crucial.
Key Match Stats:
- Final Score: Inter Miami 0–0 Al Ahly
- Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL
- Attendance: 60,927
- Man of the Match: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)
SportsLigue