Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami started the 2025 Club World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Al Ahly. Despite big hopes, neither team could score. Goalkeepers shined, especially Oscar Ustari, and now both teams face tough challenges ahead.
Messi’s Club World Cup Opener Ends 0-0
The 2025 Club World Cup is the first to feature 32 teams, and FIFA had big hopes for an exciting start. With Lionel Messi and Inter Miami playing the opening match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was clearly excited. But the match ended in a goalless draw, leaving fans and officials slightly disappointed.
A Tough Fight but No Goals
Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly played the first game at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Despite the 0-0 score, the match was intense and well-fought. Al Ahly looked more dangerous and even got a penalty late in the first half. But Inter Miami’s 38-year-old goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made a great save in the 43rd minute. He was also named Man of the Match.
Ustari made eight saves in the match. He has a long history with Messi, having played with him in Argentina’s 2005 U-20 World Cup win and the 2008 Olympics. Though Ustari didn’t shine in international football later, he played in Spain and joined Inter Miami last year.
Messi and Suarez Try but Can’t Score
Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy also played well. He stopped five shots, including a powerful strike from Luis Suarez in the last minute of extra time. Messi almost scored too, but his shot hit the crossbar.
Coaches React and What Comes Next
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said he was happy with his team’s performance. “We didn’t do well in the first half, but we improved a lot in the second,” he told DAZN.
Now both teams have a tough road ahead. They must face two strong clubs: Porto and Palmeiras. Miami’s next game is against Portugal’s Porto on June 19 at 1:00 PM. Al Ahly will play Brazil’s Palmeiras later that day at 10:00 PM.
The tournament has just started, but for Messi and Inter Miami, the pressure is already on.
