Al Ahly Misses Historic Win Over Inter Miami Led by Messi and His Teammates

Al Ahly and Inter Miami played out a goalless draw (0-0) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. 

The game was full of excitement and fierce competition, especially as the Egyptian giants came close _to_ a famous victory over a star-studded Inter Miami side led by Lionel Messi and his teammates.

First Half: Al Ahly’s Pressure and Missed Chances

Al Ahly started strongly, dominating the first half and creating several dangerous chances. Wissam Abou Ali and Emam Ashour both missed clear opportunities before Ashour was forced off with a shoulder injury. He was replaced by Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, making his official debut for Al Ahly after joining from Zamalek this summer.

Al Ahly maintained their attacking pressure despite efforts from Inter Miami, who looked to Lionel Messi for inspiration. Zizo won a free kick after being fouled, and Wissam Abou Ali had a goal disallowed for offside. Inter Miami's goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was outstanding, making crucial saves to deny headers from Achraf Dari and a rocket shot from Abou Ali.

Near the end of the first half, Zizo was fouled inside the penalty area, and Al Ahly were awarded a spot-kick. However, Trezeguet missed the penalty, allowing the visitors to escape the half without conceding

Second Half: Miami Responds, Al Ahly Holds On

Inter Miami looked more aggressive in the second half, putting Al Ahly under sustained pressure. Al Ahly shifted to a counter-attacking approach, while Mohamed El Shenawy made excellent saves to deny both Messi and Luis Suárez. Messi narrowly missed the target with a trademark free kick.

Al Ahly introduced Hussein El Shahat and Taher Mohamed Taher in an attempt to regain control, but Inter Miami continued to press. Shenawy saved a powerful header from substitute Fafa Picault in the 85th minute, and Muroan Attia received a yellow card for a tough challenge. Suárez was also booked for dissent.

In stoppage time, Messi came close once again, but El Shenawy made a stunning save to preserve the draw. Al Ahly then launched a quick counter, but El Shahat selfishly went for goal instead of passing to Taher, who was unmarked in front of the net.

Oscar Ustari Named Man of the Match

Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was named Man of the Match for his heroic display. He saved a first-half penalty and made multiple crucial stops to deny Al Ahly a deserved win, showcasing his experience and composure under pressure.

What’s Next

Al Ahly will face Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday, June 19, in their second Group A match, hoping to secure their first win of the tournament. Meanwhile, Inter Miami will take on Portuguese giants Porto on the same day in what promises to be another exciting fixture.