Al Ahly vs Inter Miami: Messi could not produce necessary magic 2025

Al Ahly vs Inter Miami, The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicked off with a thrilling yet goalless draw between Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 14, 2025. The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights showcased a match defined by stellar goalkeeping, missed opportunities, and intense fan support, with both teams earning a point in Group A. Despite concerns about low attendance, 60,927 fans filled the stands, drawn by Messi’s star power and Al Ahly’s passionate following.

This article breaks down the Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights, key moments like Mahmoud Trezeguet’s missed penalty and Messi’s near-misses, and the broader implications for both clubs in the expanded 32-team tournament.

Al Ahly vs Inter Miami Highlights: Goalless Draw in FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Opener

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights captured a pulsating 0-0 draw that defied the lack of goals with end-to-end action. Al Ahly, the 12-time African Champions League winners, dominated the first half, while Inter Miami, buoyed by Messi’s leadership, fought back in the second. Both goalkeepers—Inter Miami’s Oscar Ustari and Al Ahly’s Mohamed El Shenawy—delivered heroic performances, ensuring neither side could break the deadlock.

Attendance: 60,927 fans, nearly filling the 65,000-capacity Hard Rock Stadium, per The Athletic.
Key Moments: Trezeguet’s penalty miss, Ustari’s multiple saves, and El Shenawy’s late heroics against Messi.
Group A Standings: Both teams earned one point, temporarily topping the group before Palmeiras and Porto’s opener.

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights underscored the competitive spirit of the revamped Club World Cup, setting the tone for a month-long tournament across the United States.

First Half: Al Ahly’s Dominance and Trezeguet’s Miss

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights from the first half showcased Al Ahly’s control and aggression. The Egyptian side, cheered by over 10,000 traveling fans, dictated possession and carved out several chances. Key moments included:

5th Minute: Emam Ashour, set up by Trezeguet, was denied by Ustari’s early save, signaling Al Ahly’s intent (myKhel).
31st Minute: Wessam Abou Ali’s goal was ruled out for offside, frustrating the Red Devils’ supporters (Sportstar).
43rd Minute: A penalty was awarded after Telasco Segovia fouled Zizo in the box. Trezeguet stepped up but saw his shot parried by Ustari, who also blocked the rebound, earning viral praise on social media (DAZN Football).

Ustari’s eight first-half saves, including the penalty stop, were pivotal, as Al Ahly’s expected goals (xG) neared 2.0 compared to Inter Miami’s 0.01, per The Guardian. The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights also featured a goal-line clearance by Abou Ali, denying Tadeo Allende just before halftime.

Despite a knee scare after a collision, Messi remained quiet, with Al Ahly’s defense neutralizing his influence. The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights painted a picture of an Egyptian side unlucky not to lead at the break.

Second Half: Inter Miami’s Fightback and Messi’s Near-Misses

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights from the second half showed a revitalized Inter Miami, driven by Messi’s growing influence. Coach Javier Mascherano’s halftime adjustments saw the Herons control possession and exploit set pieces. Standout moments included:

63rd Minute: Messi’s low free-kick curled around the wall, hitting the side netting and fooling fans into thinking he’d scored (DAZN Football).
85th Minute: Messi’s pinpoint cross found substitute Fafa Picault, whose header forced a stunning save from El Shenawy (The Guardian).
95th Minute: El Shenawy tipped Messi’s curling 20-yard shot onto the crossbar, preserving the draw (Sportstar).

El Shenawy’s second-half heroics matched Ustari’s earlier brilliance, with the Al Ahly keeper thwarting Messi’s six attempts, one on target (The Athletic). The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights also captured Busquets’ yellow card for delaying a corner and Suarez’s late booking for obstructing El Shenawy.

Inter Miami’s improved second half showed their Barcelona DNA, with Messi, Suarez, and Busquets combining to create chances. However, Al Ahly’s disciplined defense held firm, earning a deserved point.

Fan Atmosphere and Tournament Context

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights weren’t just about the action on the pitch. The electric atmosphere at Hard Rock Stadium dispelled fears of empty stands, a concern raised by FIFA’s initial struggles to sell broadcast rights (The Athletic). Al Ahly’s fans, waving flags and chanting, created a cauldron of noise, while Messi’s global appeal drew a diverse crowd.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, alongside legends Ronaldo and Roberto Baggio, attended the opener, signaling the tournament’s importance as a precursor to the 2026 World Cup (theScore). The match’s smooth execution, with no reported incidents despite nearby protests, highlighted effective security measures, unlike the chaotic 2024 Copa America final at the same venue (Al Jazeera).

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights marked the start of a new era for the Club World Cup, now mirroring the World Cup’s 32-team format. With Group A rivals Porto and Palmeiras looming, both teams face tough tests to advance.

Key Performers: Ustari and El Shenawy Steal the Show

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights were defined by goalkeeping masterclasses. Oscar Ustari, named Man of the Match, made eight saves, including Trezeguet’s penalty, earning praise as Inter Miami’s “hero” (MLS Soccer). At 38, the Argentine keeper proved his worth, keeping Miami in the game during Al Ahly’s first-half onslaught.

Mohamed El Shenawy matched Ustari’s brilliance, with late saves against Picault and Messi ensuring Al Ahly’s point. His performance was lauded by fans on X, with one post stating, “El Shenawy saves Al Ahly at the death!” (@King_Fut).

Messi, despite his efforts, couldn’t replicate his MLS form (49 goals in 59 games, per CBS Sports). Al Ahly’s defense, led by Yasser Ibrahim, kept him in check, though his defensive work, including stopping a counter-attack, showed his commitment (The Athletic).

What’s Next for Both Teams?

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights set the stage for crucial Group A matches. Inter Miami face Porto on June 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, while Al Ahly take on Palmeiras in New York on the same day (Inter Miami CF). Both teams need wins to boost their chances of reaching the knockout rounds, where only the top two from each group advance.

Inter Miami’s injury concerns, with Jordi Alba (hamstring) and Yannick Bright (undisclosed) ruled out, add pressure, though Messi’s recent rest during Argentina’s qualifiers helped his fitness (Al Jazeera). Al Ahly, with a fully fit squad led by Trezeguet and Hussein El Shahat, remain a formidable force (CBS Sports).

Social Media Buzz

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights sparked lively reactions on X:

CFC_dennoh: “In case you missed the first Club World Cup game, Al Ahly vs Inter Miami, here’s everything that happened 😂 🔥 #AHLMIA” (@CFC_dennoh).
MLSMoves: “Inter Miami IMPRESSES vs Al Ahly! | 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Opener!” (@MLSMoves).
King_Fut: “El Shenawy saves Al Ahly at the death! 😱 A goalless but intense start to the Club World Cup.” (@King_Fut).

Fans praised the goalkeepers and debated Messi’s quiet performance, with some noting Al Ahly’s tactical edge.

Conclusion: A Promising Start to the Club World Cup

The Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights delivered a thrilling opener to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, showcasing the tournament’s potential despite no goals. Ustari and El Shenawy’s heroics, Trezeguet’s missed penalty, and Messi’s near-misses defined a match that kept 60,927 fans on edge. As Inter Miami and Al Ahly prepare for tougher tests in Group A, this draw sets a competitive tone for the expanded format.

What did you think of the Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights? Share your thoughts below!

Speed is wearing a Ronaldo shirt at Messi and Inter Miami’s Club World Cup match 😂 pic.twitter.com/rQgaSg8D6p

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 15, 2025

FAQs: All About Al Ahly vs Inter Miami

What were the key moments in the Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights?
Trezeguet’s missed penalty, saved by Oscar Ustari, and Mohamed El Shenawy’s late saves against Messi and Fafa Picault were the standout moments.
Why did the match end goalless?
Exceptional goalkeeping from Ustari and El Shenawy, combined with Al Ahly’s offside goal and Messi’s near-misses, kept the score at 0-0.
How many fans attended the match?
60,927 fans filled Hard Rock Stadium, nearly reaching its 65,000 capacity, dispelling concerns about low attendance.
What’s next for Inter Miami and Al Ahly?
Inter Miami face Porto on June 19 in Atlanta, while Al Ahly play Palmeiras in New York on the same day.
Where can I watch the Al Ahly vs Inter Miami highlights?
Highlights are available on DAZN.com, which streams all Club World Cup matches for free, and on platforms like YouTube (DAZN Football).