Lionel Messi came agonisingly close to snatching a dramatic stoppage-time winner but was denied by a fingertip save as Inter Miami were held to a goalless draw by Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the opening match of FIFA’s new-look Club World Cup in Florida on Saturday night.
A crowd of 60,927 packed into the Hard Rock Stadium to witness the launch of the expanded 32-team tournament, with Messi the star attraction. The Argentine icon almost delivered a fairy-tale finish, only for his 20-yard curling strike to be tipped onto the bar by Al Ahly’s veteran goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy.
Miami piled on the pressure in the closing stages of the Group A fixture, but the record 12-time African champions held firm. El Shenawy was once again the hero in the final seconds, producing another superb save to deny Maxi Falcon’s close-range header.
Al Ahly could have taken a first-half lead themselves, but Egypt international Trezeguet saw his tame penalty saved by Miami’s Oscar Ustari after Telasco Segovia had brought down Zizo in the box. Trezeguet, formerly of Aston Villa, failed to react quickly enough to convert the rebound.
MD1. ✅#FIFACWC
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 15, 2025
Despite the absence of goals, the match was full of incident and excitement, much to the relief of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has faced criticism over the necessity and timing of the tournament. The only regret on the night was the lack of a finishing touch in front of goal.
Concerns over a low turnout for the curtain-raiser proved unfounded as the stands filled up well before kick-off, with over 10,000 Al Ahly supporters in full voice throughout. Their energy added to an electric atmosphere in Miami Gardens, the venue that had previously seen chaotic scenes during the 2021 Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia.
This time, however, FIFA had ensured a smooth operation, with efficient ticketing and security checks implemented well away from the stadium perimeter. There were no signs of crowd trouble or issues arising from recent US immigration policies, particularly in South Florida’s heavily Hispanic community.
The first edition of the expanded Club World Cup, which includes clubs from all six confederations, will culminate with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 13 July. Infantino has labelled the revamped tournament a “new era for football”, though critics argue it only exacerbates the already congested football calendar.
On the pitch, Al Ahly were the brighter of the two sides in the first half, carving open the Miami defence with ease. Emam Ashour forced a fine save from Ustari after being slipped in by Trezeguet, while Palestine international Wessam Abou Ali had a goal disallowed for offside before seeing another fierce effort tipped over.
Group A after the #FIFACWC opening match. 🔢
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 15, 2025
Inter Miami found their rhythm after the interval, with Messi growing into the game. The World Cup winner went close on 64 minutes with a trademark free-kick that kissed the post and struck the side-netting, briefly fooling part of the crowd into thinking he had scored.
But Messi’s best chance came in stoppage time, following a slick short-corner routine. His curling effort seemed destined for the top corner before El Shenawy’s outstretched hand pushed it onto the woodwork in what proved to be the last major action of the night.
Next up for Miami is a clash against Portuguese giants Porto in Atlanta on Thursday, before returning home to face Brazil’s Palmeiras on Monday.