Messi Magic Draws Crowd, But Inter Miami Held by Al-Ahly in Club World Cup Opener.
Lionel Messi lit up the Hard Rock Stadium with moments of brilliance on Saturday, June 14, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory as Inter Miami were held to a goalless draw by African champions Al-Ahly in the opening match of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
Nearly 61,000 fans poured into the 65,000-capacity arena in Miami Gardens, Florida, lured by the presence of the Argentinian legend. Their attendance helped dismiss doubts about the appeal of the newly expanded tournament, which now features 32 teams. However, the energy in the stands wasn’t quite matched on the pitch—especially in the first half.
Al-Ahly started stronger and had two early chances to take the lead. Their best opportunity came when Trezeguet stepped up for a penalty after Zizo was brought down in the box by Telasco Segovia. But Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari guessed correctly and denied the Egyptian forward with a sharp save.
Messi, meanwhile, offered glimpses of his class. In the final minute of the first half, he created space for himself but couldn’t quite unlock the defense. Inter Miami looked fortunate to be level at the break.
The hosts shifted gears after halftime, applying more pressure and creating better chances. Messi nearly broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards that curled past the wall, brushing the post and rippling the side netting—deceiving many into thinking it had gone in.
In the 84th minute, Messi floated a perfectly weighted cross into the box for substitute Fafa Picault, whose header was acrobatically tipped over by Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The Egyptian shot-stopper stood tall again in stoppage time, denying Messi’s curling effort with a fingertip save that pushed the ball onto the crossbar.
Despite the lack of goals, the intensity and quality of the game—especially in the second half—offered plenty for fans to cheer. For Inter Miami, the draw was a reminder of the challenge ahead in this expanded Club World Cup format, while Al-Ahly walked away with a hard-earned point and confidence intact.
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