FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Al Ahly Hold Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to Thrilling 0-0 Draw in Opener

Miami, June 15, 2025: The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicked off with a gripping goalless draw between Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. A lively crowd of 60,927 witnessed an intense Group A clash, where both teams came agonizingly close to scoring but were denied by stellar goalkeeping. Despite Messi’s late heroics, the match ended with both sides sharing points, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.

Match Highlights: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami

The opener of the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025, held on June 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET (5:30 AM IST on June 15), was a showcase of competitive football. Al Ahly, cheered by over 10,000 passionate fans, dominated the first half, while Inter Miami, led by the 37-year-old Messi, rallied strongly after the break. Here’s how the action unfolded:

• First Half Dominance by Al Ahly: The Egyptian side, boasting 155 trophies, including their 45th Egyptian Premier League title, tore into Miami’s defence early on. Emam Ashour tested Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who made a crucial save. A goal by Wessam Abou Ali was disallowed for offside in the 31st minute, and Ustari tipped another fierce strike over the bar. The defining moment came when Telasco Segovia fouled Zizo in the box, earning Al Ahly a penalty. However, Trezeguet’s weak spot-kick was parried by Ustari, who was later named Player of the Match for his heroics.
• Second Half Surge by Inter Miami: Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, found their rhythm post-interval. Messi, who struggled initially, came alive, creating multiple chances. He set up a header for Fafa Picault, which was brilliantly saved by Al Ahly’s Mohamed El Shenawy. In stoppage time, Messi nearly stole the show with a curling 20-yard free-kick that El Shenawy tipped onto the bar, followed by another save to deny Maxi Falcon’s header.
• Key Stats: Messi had 2 shots on target, hit the woodwork twice, completed 3/4 dribbles, and won 8 duels, earning an 8.1 match rating despite no goals or assists. Al Ahly’s press showcased African football’s quality, while Miami’s counter-attacks, led by Luis Suarez, kept the Egyptians on their toes.

The match ended 0-0, a rare outcome for Messi, marking only his third goalless draw in 108 club games since February 2022. Both teams displayed quality, with Al Ahly’s first-half control balanced by Miami’s second-half pressure.

Messi’s Impact and Inter Miami’s Journey

Lionel Messi, a two-time Club World Cup winner with Barcelona (2009, 2011), was Inter Miami’s talisman, despite not finding the net. His 49 goals and 23 assists in 59 games for the Herons, including 10 goals in 13 MLS matches this season, underline his influence. Miami, founded in 2020 and qualified as MLS Supporters’ Shield 2024 winners, faced a stern test against Al Ahly, the most decorated club in world football. Coach Javier Mascherano, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, praised the team’s resilience despite injuries to key players like Jordi Alba and David Martinez.

Al Ahly’s Resilient Performance

Al Ahly, led by manager Jose Riveiro, showcased their pedigree with a disciplined performance. Their high press and attacking intent in the first half exposed Miami’s defensive frailties, noted as a weakness by experts. Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy’s late saves earned him praise, while Trezeguet will rue his missed penalty. The Cairo-based club, in the US for two weeks prior, adapted well, having played a warm-up against Pachuca (1-1, lost 5-3 on penalties).

What’s Next for Both Teams?

Inter Miami face Porto in Atlanta on Thursday, June 19, followed by a clash against Brazil’s Palmeiras in Miami on Monday, June 23, in Group A. Al Ahly will look to capitalize on their strong showing in upcoming group matches. The top two teams from each of the eight groups advance to the Round of 16 in the month-long tournament, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 13.

How to Watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in India

Football fans in India caught the Al Ahly vs Inter Miami match live on DAZN, which is streaming all FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches for free globally. The match was available on DAZN’s website and app, starting at 5:30 AM IST on June 15. Stay tuned for more live streaming details for upcoming fixtures

A Promising Start to the Tournament

Despite the lack of goals, the Al Ahly vs Inter Miami clash was far from dull, delivering the excitement FIFA President Gianni Infantino envisioned for the expanded 32-team format. The tournament, hosted across 12 US stadiums, aims to globalize club football, though critics cite calendar congestion. For fans, the match was a spectacle, with 60,927 filling Hard Rock Stadium after FIFA slashed ticket prices to avoid empty seats.

The draw sets up an intriguing Group A, with both teams showing they can compete with the best. As Messi and Inter Miami aim to make history, Al Ahly’s performance signals Africa’s growing influence in global football. Football fans worldwide are in for a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup 2025!

Disclaimer: This article is based on reliable sources, including match reports and official announcements. For live updates and streaming details, visit DAZN or fifa.com.

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