Marawan Attia tackles Lionel Messi. © ANSA / CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH

Club World Cup kick-off: Al-Ahly takes a point from Messi

Lots of fans, lots of chances, no goals: The opening match of the Football Club World Cup between Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Al-Ahly from Egypt did not produce any goals on the night from Saturday to Sunday (CEST).

June 15, 2025

From: apa

The Cairo club was clearly the better team in the first half in Miami in front of 60.927 spectators, missing a penalty. Inter Miami missed several great opportunities after the break in the opening match of the XXL tournament in the USA.

Al-Ahly dominated the first half in the nearly sold-out 65.000-capacity Miami Dolphins Stadium. Messi and Co. were consistently on the back foot and only had goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to thank for the goalless game after 45 minutes. The 38-year-old Argentinian saved his team from conceding several goals. The highlight was his save from a penalty kick by Al-Ahly star Trezeguet shortly before halftime. "He kept us alive," said Miami coach Javier Mascherano.

Messi's efforts went unrewarded

Messi only became more visible after the break. The veteran set the tempo with his attempted shot after 57 minutes. He set up Marcelo Weigandt's chance (60'), and the veteran's free kick landed in the side netting (64'). Substitute Fafa Picault, after a pass from Messi, was denied by Al-Ahly keeper Mohamed El-Shenawy with a header from close range (85'). The 37-year-old Messi also had the last chance: the Egyptian goalkeeper tipped his shot over the bar in stoppage time.

Lionel Messi tried hard but failed to score. © APA/afp / CHANDAN KHANNA

"We were much better than them, moved a lot in transition, and had chances to score and win the game. That's football, and maybe they had their chances in the first half too," Mascherano summed up. Al-Ahly striker Wessam Abou Ali lamented the missed moments before the break. "I'm disappointed with the result. We could have taken the three points," said the Danish-born player. He particularly enjoyed the atmosphere, which was excellent despite concerns about a half-empty stadium. "The atmosphere was incredible; 80 percent were our fans."

Bayern starts against amateur team Auckland

The draw likely diminished the chances of both teams advancing. Even before the opening round, FC Porto and Brazilian Palmeiras were considered the most likely contenders in Group A. The two teams meet on Sunday at midnight CEST. Also scheduled for the match are Bayern Munich's clash with Auckland City (18.00:21.00 PM CEST) and the clash between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid (XNUMX:XNUMX PM CEST).