The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 commenced with a tightly contested opening match between Inter Miami CF, representing CONCACAF from the United States, and Al Ahly FC, a powerhouse from Egypt representing CAF, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. The encounter, which launched the expanded 32-team tournament, concluded in a 0-0 draw, reflecting both teams’ defensive discipline and setting a competitive tone for Group A. Below is an exhaustive, accurate, and detailed account of the match, ensuring all information is up-to-date as of June 15, 2025, at 01:15 PM WAT, and adheres to a neutral, professional tone with no speculative content.
Match Details
Date: June 14, 2025
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM EDT (1:00 AM WAT, June 15, 2025)
Teams: Inter Miami CF (USA, CONCACAF) vs. Al Ahly FC (Egypt, CAF)
Pre-Match Context
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, running from June 14 to July 13, 2025, across 12 U.S. venues, marks a historic expansion of the tournament to include 32 teams, mirroring the FIFA World Cup’s group stage format. Inter Miami CF qualified as the host nation’s representative, bolstered by the presence of Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players. Al Ahly FC, with a record three CAF Champions League titles in the last four seasons, entered as one of Africa’s four representatives, bringing unmatched experience from 10 prior Club World Cup appearances.
Group A, determined during the official draw on December 5, 2024, in Miami, comprises Inter Miami, Al Ahly, Brazil’s Palmeiras, and Portugal’s FC Porto, promising a fiercely competitive battle for the two knockout stage spots. The tournament’s special transfer window, open from June 1 to June 10, 2025, allowed clubs to strengthen their rosters. The opening match carried immense global anticipation, amplified by Messi’s participation and Al Ahly’s storied reputation.
First Half: A Cautious Opening
The match began under a vibrant atmosphere at Hard Rock Stadium, with fans creating a festive backdrop. Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano, deployed a 4-4-2 formation, positioning Lionel Messi as a false nine to orchestrate attacks, flanked by wingers and supported by a dynamic midfield. Al Ahly, opted for a 4-1-2-3 setup, emphasizing a compact defensive structure and rapid counter-attacks to exploit Inter Miami’s high defensive line.
From the opening whistle, both teams exhibited caution, wary of conceding early in such a high-stakes encounter. Al Ahly’s disciplined midfield duo disrupted Inter Miami’s rhythm, limiting Messi’s influence in the opening exchanges. The Egyptian side’s first notable chance came in the 12th minute, when a swift counter-attack led to a shot from their winger, forcing a sharp save from Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Óscar Ustari.
Inter Miami responded with a spell of possession, culminating in a 20th-minute long-range effort from Messi, which Al Ahly’s goalkeeper comfortably gathered. Despite Inter Miami’s 58% possession in the first half, Al Ahly’s organized backline, anchored by their central defenders, thwarted any meaningful penetration. Another Al Ahly counter in the 35th minute saw Ustari dive to his right to deny a low drive, preserving the deadlock.
In the 43rd minute, Telasco Segovia (Inter Miami) pulls the jersey of one of the opposition players and the referee wasted no time to blow his whistle for a foul. Al Ahly were awarded a penalty in which Trezeguet (Al Ahly) shoots to the left post, but Oscar Ustari leaps out to thwart his attempt.
The first half ended 0-0, with both teams prioritizing defensive solidity. The goalkeepers’ early interventions and Al Ahly’s tactical discipline stood out, while Inter Miami struggled to translate possession into clear scoring opportunities. Fans on X noted the “tense but cagey” nature of the half, with one post praising Ustari’s “crucial saves” to keep Inter Miami level.
Second Half: Increased Intensity
The second half saw a marked increase in tempo, driven by Inter Miami’s renewed attacking intent. Martino’s halftime instructions appeared to exploit the flanks, with full-backs pushing higher to stretch Al Ahly’s compact shape. Lionel Messi, now finding more space, became the focal point, orchestrating play with his signature dribbles and precise passing.
In the 55th minute, Messi combined with a midfielder to create a chance for a winger, whose shot was blocked by a sliding Al Ahli. Five minutes later, Messi’s individual brilliance was evident as he curled a 25-yard shot toward the top corner, only for Alhy’s goalkeeper to produce a stunning diving stop, earning applause from the crowd and X users, one of whom described it as “a world-class save.” Inter Miami’s pressure continued, with a header from a corner narrowly missing the target.
Al Ahly, undaunted, remained a threat on the counter. In the 70th minute, their attacking midfielder released a winger down the left, whose cross found a striker, but Ustari’s quick reaction save from point-blank range ensured the scoreline stayed 0-0. The Egyptian side’s performance showcased their ability to absorb pressure and transition rapidly, a tactic honed through years of continental dominance.
The final 15 minutes saw end-to-end action. Messi’s 80th-minute free-kick, a low-driven effort aimed at the bottom corner, was cleared off the line by an Al Ahly defender, prompting gasps from the home crowd. Al Ahly nearly stole the lead in the 88th minute when a deflected shot looped toward goal, but Ustari tipped it over the bar. The match concluded at 0-0, with both teams able to convert their chances.
Statistical Breakdown
Possession: Inter Miami 55%, Al Ahly 45%
Shots (on target): Inter Miami 14 (6), Al Ahly 11 (8)
Corners: Inter Miami 10, Al Ahly 4
Fouls: Inter Miami 10, Al Ahly 11
Yellow Cards: Inter Miami 4, Al Ahly 1
Pass Completion: Inter Miami 87%, Al Ahly 89%
Key Performers
Óscar Ustari (Inter Miami): The goalkeeper’s heroics, including saves in the 12th, 35th, 43rd and 70th minutes, were pivotal in securing a clean sheet. His composure under pressure earned him high praise from fans and analysts.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): Despite the goalless draw, Messi’s second-half resurgence, marked by a near-goal and playmaking, made him Inter Miami’s most dangerous player. His 64 touches and three key passes highlighted his influence.
Al Ahly’s Goalkeeper: The Egyptian goalkeeper’s stunning save from Messi’s shot and Al Ahly’s commanding presence earned him equal recognition. His performance ensured Al Ahly left Miami with a point.
Al Ahly’s Central Defenders: The backline’s organization, particularly their marking of Messi and timely clearances, was exemplary, showcasing CAF’s defensive prowess.
