Kristina Roberts
The highly anticipated Club World Cup kicked off with a surprising result as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Egypt’s Al Ahly. The match, played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, was expected to be a showcase for Messi and his team, but instead, it turned into a night of struggle for the MLS side. Al Ahly, the champions of Africa, dominated large parts of the game, leaving Inter Miami lucky to escape with a single point.
From the very beginning, it was clear that Inter Miami were not at their best. The team looked slow and disorganized, struggling to keep up with Al Ahly’s fast and physical style of play. Head coach Javier Mascherano had warned before the tournament that the competition would be tougher than what his team usually faces in MLS and CONCACAF matches. His words proved true as Al Ahly’s players moved the ball quickly, pressed aggressively, and created multiple scoring chances.
The Egyptian side’s fans also played a big role in the match. Thousands of Al Ahly supporters filled the stadium hours before kickoff, turning what should have been a home game for Inter Miami into what felt like an away match. The noise from the stands was deafening, with chants and drums echoing throughout the stadium. The energy from the crowd seemed to lift Al Ahly’s players, who played with confidence and determination.
Inter Miami’s biggest problem was their midfield, which was repeatedly exposed whenever they lost possession. Al Ahly’s attackers, led by Trezeguet and Emam Ashour, broke forward with speed, creating dangerous opportunities. Just eight minutes into the game, Trezeguet and Ashour combined for a clear chance, but Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Óscar Ustari, made a crucial save. Ustari was one of the few bright spots for his team, making several important stops to keep the score level.
Lionel Messi, as always, was the center of attention, but even he couldn’t find a way past Al Ahly’s solid defense. The Egyptian defenders closed him down quickly, giving him little space to create his usual magic. Messi had a few moments where he threatened, but Al Ahly’s backline held firm, frustrating the Argentine superstar and his teammates.
As the game went on, Inter Miami tried to push forward, but their attacks lacked precision. Passes were misplaced, and the final ball into the box was often too easy for Al Ahly’s defenders to handle. On the other hand, Al Ahly continued to look dangerous on the counterattack, with their wingers using their pace to trouble Inter Miami’s defense.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Al Ahly controlling much of the play. Inter Miami had a few half-chances, but their finishing was poor, and Al Ahly’s goalkeeper was rarely tested. The Egyptian team came closest to scoring when a powerful shot from outside the box forced another excellent save from Ustari.
By the final whistle, it was clear that Al Ahly had been the better team. Their players celebrated the draw as if it were a victory, knowing they had outplayed one of the tournament’s biggest names. For Inter Miami, the result was a reality check. Despite having Messi in their lineup, they were second-best for most of the match.
After the game, Javier Mascherano admitted his team had struggled. “This was a level higher than what we’re used to,” he said. “Al Ahly were organized, fast, and very strong. We have a lot to improve if we want to compete in this tournament.”
Lionel Messi also spoke to reporters, acknowledging the difficulty of the match. “It wasn’t our best performance,” he said. “Al Ahly made it very hard for us. We need to be better in the next game.”
The draw leaves Inter Miami with a tough task ahead. They will need to regroup quickly if they want to advance to the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Al Ahly can be proud of their performance, proving that they belong among the best clubs in the world.
The Club World Cup is just beginning, and this opening match has already shown that surprises are possible. While Messi and Inter Miami were expected to shine, it was Al Ahly who stole the spotlight, delivering a performance full of energy, skill, and determination. For football fans, this was a reminder that in this tournament, anything can happen.
Inter Miami will now have to analyze their mistakes and come back stronger in their next match. The pressure is on, and with the eyes of the world watching, they cannot afford another disappointing display. As for Al Ahly, they have sent a strong message to the rest of the competition—they are here to compete, and no team should take them lightly.
The Club World Cup promises more excitement in the coming days, and if this opening game is anything to go by, fans are in for a thrilling tournament. Whether Inter Miami can bounce back remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Al Ahly have proven they are a force to be reckoned with.
