Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were held to a thrilling but goalless 0-0 draw against Egypt’s Al Ahly on Saturday night, marking a dramatic start to FIFA’s expanded 32-team global tournament at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
In front of 60,927 fans, Messi nearly gave the debut competition a fairytale moment with a stoppage-time curling strike from 20 yards, only to be denied by Al Ahly’s heroic goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who tipped the shot onto the bar.
Moments later, the Egyptian shot-stopper again stood tall to deny Maxi Falcon’s header, sealing a hard-fought point for his side. The night was filled with excitement, drama, and chances — but no goals.
Missed Chances and Goalkeeping Heroics
Al Ahly, backed by over 10,000 passionate fans, dominated the first half. They were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Trezeguet won a penalty after being bundled over by Telasco Segovia. However, the Egyptian international’s tame effort was saved by Miami’s keeper Oscar Ustari.
Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali also saw a goal disallowed for offside and had another powerful shot tipped over by Ustari, who kept Miami in the game through a tense first half.
Inter Miami, sluggish early on, found rhythm in the second half. Messi came close twice — first with a trademark free-kick that fooled parts of the crowd as it brushed the side-netting, and later with that brilliant stoppage-time effort.
A Showcase Start for FIFA
Despite the lack of goals, the atmosphere and high-quality play gave FIFA exactly what it hoped for. Skepticism had surrounded the necessity of the new 32-team format, but the near-sellout crowd and efficient logistics — a contrast to last year’s chaotic Copa America final at the same venue — made for a successful opening night.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the game, was no doubt pleased with the turnout and spectacle. Security and ticketing were smoothly managed, and there was no sign of disruptions from external political tensions, including immigration enforcement concerns.
Coaches React
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s second-half performance:
“We leave with the feeling that we could have won it… When we play like that, we can play even with any team.”
Al Ahly’s new manager, Jose Riveiro, lamented his side’s missed opportunities:
“We had a decent amount of chances in the first half to put the game in a different space.”
He also expressed surprise at the overwhelming support from the club’s global fanbase:
“To be here in the States and have it feel like Cairo — that can probably only happen with this club.”
What’s Next
Inter Miami will now face Portugal’s FC Porto on Thursday in Atlanta, followed by a clash against Brazilian giants Palmeiras. Al Ahly, who left a strong impression in their tournament opener, will look to build on the result in their next Group A match.
What you should know
Despite the lack of goals, Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly delivered a high-octane opener to FIFA’s new tournament. Messi was denied late glory, but the match showcased strong competition, world-class goalkeeping, and the global draw of club football.
