Messi Denied Dramatic Winner as Inter Miami Held by Al Ahly in Club World Cup Opener
By IDNN Global Football Desk
FLORIDA, USA – June 15, 2025
The highly anticipated kickoff to FIFA’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup may have delivered everything but goals — and perhaps, denied Lionel Messi his first fairytale moment on the global stage with Inter Miami.
In front of a packed Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Inter Miami were held to a 0-0 draw by Egypt’s Al Ahly, with Messi’s late, curling effort in stoppage time sensationally tipped onto the bar by Egyptian international goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
The result opened Group A in dramatic but goalless fashion, as over 60,927 fans witnessed a high-tempo clash that left both teams rueing missed chances and left FIFA with a credible curtain-raiser despite the lack of a breakthrough.
“I thought it was in,” Messi said after the match. “You just have to tip your hat to the keeper sometimes. It’s part of football.”
Egyptian Resistance
While Inter Miami’s star-studded attack—including Maxi Falcon and Messi—showed intent, it was Al Ahly who looked more composed in the first half. A golden opportunity came when Trezeguet won a penalty after being fouled by Telasco Segovia, but his tame effort was parried by Miami’s Argentine shot-stopper Oscar Ustari.
The Egyptians kept pushing, and Wessam Abou Ali thought he had scored in the 31st minute, only to see his effort ruled offside. The Danish-born Palestinian international tested Ustari again with a fierce long-range effort shortly after.
Messi’s Magic, Denied
Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano, upped their tempo after the break. Messi came closest in the 64th minute, with a free-kick that kissed the outside of the post. His final act nearly turned the stadium into a frenzy—only for El Shenawy’s fingertip save in added time to silence the roar.
“We have to start games like we finished them,” said Mascherano. “There was belief in the second half. We’ll build on that.”
Giant Support and Smooth Operations
Despite early skepticism over the expanded tournament’s viability, the opening night passed with high marks for fan turnout and stadium logistics. Al Ahly fans, estimated at over 10,000 strong, turned the stadium into a red cauldron of support, creating an almost ‘home game’ atmosphere in Florida.
There were no major issues at entry points—an improvement from chaotic scenes during last year’s Copa America final hosted at the same venue.
What’s Next?
Inter Miami face FC Porto in Atlanta on Thursday, while Al Ahly prepare for their second group clash. With Palmeiras and other continental heavyweights in the group, there’s no room for slip-ups moving forward.
While no goals were recorded on the opening night, the tournament already has its headline: Messi came close, but Africa’s most successful club held firm.
