Inter Miami and Lionel Messi entered the Club World Cup as the tournament’s biggest attraction, but they failed to live up to the hype in their opening match. On Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium, they were held to a goalless draw by Egyptian giants Al Ahly, leaving their hopes of progressing in serious doubt.
Much of the build-up focused on Messi’s global appeal and Inter Miami’s star power. But once the match began, it quickly became clear that they were second-best. Al Ahly, the African Champions League winners, were sharper, faster, and more organised. Their fans turned up in huge numbers, creating a hostile environment for Miami despite it being a home fixture.
The first half was particularly one-sided. Inter Miami looked off the pace, playing at a tempo more suited to Major League Soccer (MLS) than a global tournament. Al Ahly exploited gaps in midfield and created several dangerous counter-attacks. Egyptian internationals Trézéguet and Emam Ashour linked up well and forced multiple saves from Miami goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, who would go on to be the man of the match.
In defence, Miami lacked discipline. Both Tomás Avilés and Federico Redondo picked up yellow cards in the first half for cynical fouls, and Avilés was lucky not to be sent off after committing another rash challenge minutes later.
In the 41st minute, Al Ahly were awarded a penalty following sustained pressure. It looked like the breakthrough had finally arrived. But Trézéguet’s low shot was superbly saved by Ustari, keeping the scores level going into half-time. Despite the scoreline, there was no doubt which team had dominated.
After the break, Inter Miami improved. Their passing was more accurate, and Messi started to influence the match. He came close to scoring with a clever free kick that missed narrowly and later forced Al Ahly keeper Mohamed El Shenawy into a stunning save in stoppage time. Messi’s curling shot looked destined for the top corner, but El Shenawy stretched full length to tip it over the bar.
Even with Miami’s second-half surge, the match ended 0-0. The draw does little to help either side in a group that also includes Portuguese side FC Porto and Brazil’s Palmeiras.
Speaking at half-time, Miami head coach Javier Mascherano admitted his team had been second-best in transition. “We are losing the ball, sometimes we are not well-organised,” he told DAZN. “They are very dangerous.”
Inter Miami now face an uphill battle if they are to qualify from the group stage. Despite Messi’s moments of brilliance, this performance showed just how far they have to go to compete with top teams from other continents.