Lionel Messi’s debut at the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup ended in a dramatic 0–0 draw as Inter Miami faced Al-Ahly before a near capacity crowd of 60,927 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 14, 2025. In a match of near-misses and standout goalkeeping, Messi came agonizingly close to a stoppage-time winner, only to see his curling effort struck onto the crossbar .
A Game of Fine Margins: Early Penalty Drama and Defensive Resilience
The fixture unfolded with an intense Al-Ahly charge in the first half. They earned a penalty after Zizo was fouled, but veteran Óscar Ustari—Inter Miami’s 38-year-old goalkeeper—made a pivotal save from Trezeguet and then blocked the rebound, preserving a clean sheet. That double-save proved to be the moment that shifted momentum.
Al-Ahly squandered further early opportunities, with Abou Ali missing a close-range chance and Ashour forced off due to a broken collarbone—confirmed later by the club.
Messi’s Influence Grows as the Game Progresses
Inter Miami’s first-half performance felt flat, described as “disorganized and sluggish” by some commentators. However, the second half brought signs of Messi’s revival. He delivered a well-taken free-kick that hit the post, and later executed a precise cross for Fafa Picault, forcing a reflex save from Mohamed El Shenawy.
In stoppage time, Messi unleashed a trademark curling strike—only to be denied again by El Shenawy, whose fingertip deflection sent the ball onto the crossbar.
Javier Mascherano admitted Miami was “very nervous and anxious in the first half” but noted they calmed down and “created chances” after regrouping . Al-Ahly coach Jose Riveiro acknowledged his team controlled the early phases but lamented poor finishing.
Defensively, Miami leveraged Ustari’s heroics, particularly in the first half. Al-Ahly’s dominance early on—complete with penalty and near goals—underscored their attacking quality, though Asour’s injury disrupted their rhythm.
Messi’s Impact and Tournament Implications
While the result appears modest, Messi’s continued influence is evident. His presence drew a sold-out atmosphere, showcasing the tournament’s ability to leverage superstar power. Al-Ahly, backed by their vocal fanbase, validated their credentials as African champions capable of holding their own on a global stage .
Both teams now have momentum and defensive solidity to build upon as they prepare for upcoming Group A matches: Inter Miami heads to Atlanta to face FC Porto, while Al-Ahly travels to New York to face Palmeiras.
Off-Pitch Context: Protests and Spectacle
Outside the stadium, about 1,000 protesters gathered near Mar-a-Lago as part of a national “No Kings” demonstration. Despite this, the Miami event remained incident-free, and the atmosphere underscored the City’s global appeal.
While critics in publications like The Guardian flagged the match as more spectacle than substance, calling the tournament a “FIFA branding exercise,” they also noted that Messi’s aura carried the event—even if on-field action lagged.
What Comes Next?
With the draw, both sides need two more group points to reach the knockout phase. Inter Miami, under Mascherano, and Al-Ahly must sharpen their finishing and maintain defensive discipline in encounters with Porto and Palmeiras.
Messi’s next performances will likely determine Miami’s attacking potency. Can he unlock the group stage doors? Ustari and El Shenawy have proven they can rise to the occasion—in Miami or Cairo’s squads.
Final Takeaway
Lionel Messi’s near-goal in the Club World Cup opener showcased both his enduring brilliance and the razor-thin margins separating victory and stalemate. Despite a spirited second-half display from Miami, they fell short due to clinical goalkeeping by El Shenawy and missed opportunities.
This 0–0 draw highlights the competitive balance of the revamped tournament—and the starpower Messi brings to the global stage. Group A’s remaining matches promise to deliver further drama, and the performances of both sides will likely define their journeys in this high-stakes, high-profile showcase.
