Lionel Messi fires blank as Al Ahly hold Inter Miami in FIFA Club World Cup opener
Lionel Messi could not provide the magic as Inter Miami were held to a 0-0 draw by Al Ahly in their first match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Egyptian side started brightly at the Hard Rock Stadium, creating several chances early on. However, they were denied by Inter Miami’s experienced goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who put in a strong performance.
Ustari’s key moment came in the first half when he saved a penalty from Trezeguet. The 38-year-old dived to push away the initial strike and then gathered the weak follow-up.
Messi showed glimpses of his quality after the break. El Shenawy did well to stop a powerful shot from Tadeo Allende inside the six-yard box. The Al Ahly keeper also produced a smart save to keep out a fierce shot from Messi at the edge of the box. Later, Messi bent a 35-yard free-kick around the wall, but it hit the side netting.
Inter Miami will now face Porto in Atlanta on 19 June, while Al Ahly take on Palmeiras in New Jersey on the same day.
