The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup got underway with a high-stakes Group A showdown between Inter Miami and Al Ahly at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. In front of a roaring crowd of over 60,000, both sides had their chances but ultimately settled for a tense 0-0 draw. While Lionel Messi showed flashes of brilliance in his Club World Cup debut, he and his teammates were left frustrated by a resilient Al Ahly side and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Match Overview
From the opening whistle, Al Ahly made their intentions clear, pressing aggressively and dominating possession in the early exchanges. The Egyptian champions came close to opening the scoring late in the first half when Trezeguet earned a penalty, only to see his spot-kick saved by Inter Miami’s Oscar Ustari. The Herons weathered the storm and began to assert themselves more after the break. Messi, who had a relatively quiet first half, came alive in the second, nearly scoring twice — first with a beautifully taken free kick that grazed the post, and later with a curling effort in stoppage time that was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by El Shenawy. Despite the attacking flair on display, neither side managed to find the breakthrough, and the match ended with both teams sharing the spoils.
Key Moments / Highlights
The match hinged on several key moments that could have drastically altered the result. Trezeguet’s missed penalty just before halftime was a turning point, as it could have given Al Ahly a deserved lead after a dominant first 45 minutes. In the second half, Messi’s free kick in the 60th minute reminded everyone why he remains a game-changer. But it was his 96th-minute effort — a left-footed curler from the right flank — that nearly stole the spotlight, only for El Shenawy to make an acrobatic save that deflected the ball onto the crossbar, denying Miami a last-gasp winner.
Player Performances
Both goalkeepers emerged as standout figures in a tightly contested match. Oscar Ustari’s penalty save kept Inter Miami alive during a tough first half, while Mohamed El Shenawy’s late heroics ensured Al Ahly kept a clean sheet. Lionel Messi grew into the game, and though he didn’t score, he constantly threatened the Al Ahly defense and came closest to breaking the deadlock. Luis Suarez had a few neat touches but was largely kept quiet. Al Ahly’s midfield, led by Marwan Attia, put in a solid shift, disrupting Miami’s rhythm and launching quick counters. The Man of the Match, however, was undoubtedly El Shenawy, whose composure and reflexes were vital in keeping Messi at bay.
Tactical Analysis
Al Ahly’s approach was clear: press high, exploit the wings, and try to catch Miami’s backline off guard. Their tempo in the first half overwhelmed the MLS side, forcing turnovers and generating multiple chances. Inter Miami, meanwhile, played a more measured game, leaning on their experienced forwards and maintaining defensive shape. After the break, they adapted well, using Messi’s deep positioning to draw defenders and create space for overlapping runs. Both sides showed strong defensive discipline, which ultimately led to the goalless outcome.
Post-Match Reactions
The atmosphere after the final whistle was one of mixed emotions. Inter Miami players expressed disappointment at not capitalizing on their late chances, particularly Messi’s last-gasp shot that so nearly found the net. Ustari praised his side’s resilience and noted that a clean sheet against a team of Al Ahly’s quality was a positive takeaway. Al Ahly’s squad and technical crew were content with the draw but admitted they missed an opportunity to grab all three points, especially given their dominance in the first half. El Shenawy acknowledged the challenge of facing Messi and took pride in keeping a clean sheet in such a high-profile fixture.
Statistics
Al Ahly enjoyed a slight edge in possession, controlling 55% of the ball compared to Inter Miami’s 45%. The Egyptian side registered 11 total shots, four of which were on target, while Inter Miami managed nine efforts at goal with three testing the keeper. Pass accuracy hovered in the mid-to-high 80s for both teams, reflecting the high technical level of the game. Fouls were frequent, with 25 committed in total, adding a physical edge to an already intense match. El Shenawy made three crucial saves, including the match-defining one in stoppage time, while Ustari also impressed with four key interventions.
Conclusion
The opening fixture of the 2025 Club World Cup lived up to expectations in intensity, if not in goals. For Inter Miami, it was a mixed night — moments of individual brilliance, especially from Messi, but a missed opportunity to make a statement. Al Ahly, on the other hand, proved they can go toe-to-toe with some of the world’s best and left the pitch with their heads held high. Both teams now look ahead to their next group matches with everything still to play for in a finely poised Group A.