Miami Gardens, FL — Lionel Messi was denied a dramatic late goal as Inter Miami were held to a goalless draw by Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly in the opening match of FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup on Saturday.
With more than 60,000 fans packed into Hard Rock Stadium, Messi nearly stole the show in stoppage time. His trademark curling effort from 20 yards was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, preserving the deadlock in front of a crowd of 60,927.
Al Ahly, backed by a vibrant contingent of over 10,000 traveling supporters, had earlier missed a golden opportunity to take the lead. Egypt international Trezeguet saw his first-half penalty saved by Inter Miami’s Argentine keeper Oscar Ustari.
Despite sustained pressure from Miami late in the game, El Shenawy came to Al Ahly’s rescue once more, denying a close-range header from Maxi Falcon to ensure his team escaped with a point in the Group A clash.
While the match lacked goals, it provided nearly everything FIFA president Gianni Infantino might have hoped for on opening night. The event proceeded without major issues, helping ease earlier concerns over the necessity and reception of the new 32-team format.
Fears of a sparse turnout were quickly dispelled as fans filled the stadium by kickoff. Al Ahly supporters, representing a club with 12 African Champions League titles and 45 Egyptian league crowns, brought energy and color to the night with loud chants and songs that echoed through the stands.
Saturday’s game also marked a significant contrast to the chaotic scenes that marred the venue during the Copa América final last year. On that occasion, crowd control issues led to delayed entry and security breaches. This time, the atmosphere remained celebratory and well-managed.
Inter Miami will now look to regroup ahead of their next group stage fixture, while Al Ahly will aim to build momentum following a solid defensive performance against one of the tournament’s most high-profile sides.
