Al Ahly Hold Messi’s Inter Miami to Goalless Draw in Club World Cup Opener

Al Ahly and Inter Miami opened the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a thrilling goalless draw on Saturday night in the United States, sharing the spoils in a fiercely contested Group A encounter.

Despite the 0–0 scoreline, the match was anything but dull, offering drama, near-misses, and heroic goalkeeping displays. Group A also includes Palmeiras and FC Porto, making every point crucial.

The goalkeepers stole the spotlight: Oscar Ustari of Inter Miami and Mohamed El-Shenawy of Al Ahly were in top form, keeping their teams in the contest with reflex saves and commanding presence.

The most dramatic moment came late in the first half when Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ had a penalty brilliantly saved by Ustari after Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Mostafa—a substitute for the injured Imam Ashour—won the spot kick. Ashour had left the pitch in the 13th minute after aggravating a shoulder injury, visibly in pain.

Al Ahly looked sharper in the opening half and even had the ball in the net through Wissam Abu Ali, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Lionel Messi, leading Inter Miami as captain, came closest for the MLS side with a trademark curling strike that struck the woodwork, having finally escaped Al Ahly’s otherwise tight marking.

In the second half, Inter Miami introduced Marcelo and Edgett, ramping up the tempo and stretching the Egyptian champions’ backline. However, Yasser Ibrahim led Al Ahly’s defence with composure, keeping Messi and co. at bay while launching quick counterattacks.

Late chances came for both sides: Hussein El-Shahat missed a key opportunity for Al Ahly, while El-Shenawy was called into action once again to deny a point-blank header and secure the clean sheet.

🧤🛑 A goalkeeper battle in Miami!#FIFACWC

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 15, 2025

The result leaves both teams with one point apiece heading into their next matches on June 19:

• Al Ahly vs. Palmeiras at MetLife Stadium, New York
• Inter Miami vs. FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

While José Ribeiro (Al Ahly) and Javier Mascherano (Inter Miami) will take positives from the performance, both managers will also rue the missed chances that could have delivered a crucial early victory.

The match underlined Al Ahly’s defensive steel and Inter Miami’s dependence on Messi’s magic and Ustari’s heroics, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense Group A campaign.

Victor Onuh

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