Goalkeepers Steal the Show as Messi & Co. Held by Resilient Egyptian Side
Inter Miami and Al Ahly kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaigns with a thrilling yet goalless draw at a buzzing Hard Rock Stadium. While fans hoped for a Lionel Messi masterclass, it was the goalkeepers who took center stage, producing a string of stunning saves to keep the game deadlocked.
Al Ahly, making their eighth CWC appearance, extended their recent trend of tight matches—this was their third draw in their last 28 tournament games. But they were left frustrated by Inter Miami’s Oscar Ustari, who delivered a heroic first-half performance. The Argentine shot-stopper denied Wessam Abou Ali early on before pulling off a miraculous double save from Trezeguet’s penalty just before halftime.
Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami side struggled defensively, often caught out by Al Ahly’s rapid counterattacks. Yet against the run of play, they nearly snatched a lead before the break, only for a last-ditch clearance from Ali to keep the scores level.
The second half saw a more aggressive Inter Miami, with Tadeo Allende forcing a crucial stop from Al Ahly’s Mohamed El Shenawy. As the Florida heat took its toll, the tempo dropped, but Messi nearly delivered a moment of magic late on—his curling strike was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by El Shenawy, leaving the crowd in awe.
With Porto and Palmeiras looming in a tough Group A, both teams may rue missed chances. But for now, they’ll take heart from resilient displays—especially from the men between the posts.
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