It’s the kind of moment that defines a global stage: Lionel Messi, deep in added time, stepping up for one last crack at goal—only to watch his curling effort crack back off the crossbar and away. That near-miss from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner captured the drama of Inter Miami’s historic opener at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where the hosts were held to a 0-0 draw by Egypt’s Al Ahly at a packed Hard Rock Stadium on June 14, 2025. The result left more than 60,000 fans on the edge of their seats without a goal to show for it, but with a contest that delivered tension in spades.

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Final Score: Al Ahly 0-0 Inter Miami · Date: 14 Jun 2025 · Competition: FIFA Club World Cup Group A · Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami · Key Moment: Lionel Messi’s late effort

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Key Facts

Result 0-0 Draw
Date June 14, 2025
Competition FIFA Club World Cup
Venue Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Attendance >60,000 fans

What happened to Al Ahly vs Inter Miami?

Messi’s late free kick struck the post before his curling effort rattled the crossbar in stoppage time. Fox Sports match report Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made four crucial saves, including a stoppage-time denial of Messi in the 90+5 minute. DAZN live updates Both teams earned one point each from the hard-fought draw. DAZN live updates

The upshot

The result showcased a tense tactical battle between two sides with vastly different international pedigrees. While Inter Miami demonstrated resilience after Al Ahly’s first-half dominance, the Egyptians’ inability to convert—particularly from the penalty spot—proved costly.

Oscar Ustari’s penalty save on Mahmoud Trezeguet proved pivotal for Inter Miami. Fox Sports match report Yellow cards were shown to Zizo (14′) and Emam Ashour (25′) for Al Ahly, Tomás Avilés (25′) and Federico Redondo Solari (31′) for Inter Miami. OneFootball match events

Match overview

Al Ahly dominated the opening 45 minutes with sustained pressure. Inter Miami weathered the storm and came out stronger after halftime, creating better opportunities as the match progressed. Fox Sports match analysis

Key events

The defining moment came in added time when Messi’s left foot sent a curling effort that struck the bar. DAZN match highlights El Shenawy’s final save from Maxi Falcon from a corner in the 90+8 minute ensured Al Ahly secured their point. DAZN match highlights

Lionel Messi’s performance

Goalkeepers Oscar Ustari and Mohamed El Shenawy were the standout performers in this contest. FIFA official match report Messi’s free kick also struck the post earlier, and he created danger with late attempts that kept El Shenawy alert. Fox Sports match report

Who won, Inter or Al Ahly?

There was no winner—Inter Miami and Al Ahly played out a 0-0 draw. OneFootball match data Both teams earned one point from the Group A opener. DAZN live updates

Final score details

The match finished 0-0 at the final whistle in the 90+9 minute. ESPN live match data Neither side could find the breakthrough despite late drama.

Group standings impact

With one point each, both clubs sit level in Group A heading into their next fixtures. Fox Sports match analysis The group also contains Palmeiras and Porto, with the top two advancing to the round of 16. Fox Sports match analysis

Verdict: Neither side got the win, but the point leaves both with work to do. Inter Miami must find goals to stay alive, while Al Ahly’s missed penalty and wasteful first-half chances mean they cannot afford similar profligacy against stronger opponents.

Did Messi score vs Al Ahly?

No—Messi did not score. OneFootball match data His late effort in added time rattled the crossbar, the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock. OneFootball match data

Messi’s chances

Messi hit the post with a free kick and the bar with a curling long-range effort in added time. Fox Sports match report El Shenawy denied him once more in the 90+5 minute. DAZN live updates

Other key players

Mahmoud Trezeguet missed Al Ahly’s best chance when his first-half penalty was saved by Ustari. Fox Sports match report Marcelo Weigandt replaced Tomás Avilés at halftime, bringing fresh energy to Inter Miami’s flank. OneFootball match events

Where can I watch Miami vs Al Ahly?

Fans can catch the action through several platforms. DAZN provided live streaming of the match. DAZN live coverage Official FIFA replays are available via FIFA’s platforms. FIFA official match report

Live streams

DAZN holds rights for live coverage. DAZN streaming info Highlights also appeared on ESPN and Sky Sports. ESPN live match data

Highlights and replays

The FIFA YouTube channel carries official match highlights. FIFA official YouTube highlights Fans should beware of fake highlight videos circulating online falsely claiming a Messi hat-trick in a 5-3 win. Dailymotion (fake video warning) The actual result was 0-0.

Has Inter Miami played Al Ahly?

This was their first meeting—a historic occasion as Inter Miami made their FIFA Club World Cup debut just six years after the club was founded. Inter Miami CF official recap It was also the first match for any MLS club in the expanded Club World Cup format. Inter Miami CF official recap

Previous encounters

There were no prior meetings between these two clubs before this fixture.

This debut clash

Al Ahly came in as 12-time African champions. Fox Sports match analysis Inter Miami brought domestic success including two titles and the MLS single-season points record. Inter Miami CF official recap The contrast in heritage made for a compelling narrative.

Match Timeline

Nine key moments shaped this tense 0-0 draw:

14′ Yellow card for Zizo (Al Ahly) OneFootball match events
25′ Yellow cards for Emam Ashour (Al Ahly) and Tomás Avilés (Inter Miami) OneFootball match events
25′ Penalty saved by Ustari on Trezeguet Fox Sports match report
31′ Yellow card for Federico Redondo Solari OneFootball match events
46′ Marcelo Weigandt replaces Avilés OneFootball match events
65′ Hussein El Shahat enters for Al Ahly OneFootball match events
Added time Messi’s free kick hits post, later curling shot rattles bar Fox Sports match report
90+5′ El Shenawy saves from Messi DAZN live updates
90+8′ Final corner saved by El Shenawy on Maxi Falcon DAZN live updates
90+9′ Full time: 0-0 ESPN live match data
What to watch

Inter Miami face stronger opponents in Group A as the tournament progresses. Their defense held firm against Al Ahly, but converting chances—particularly for Messi—remains the challenge ahead.

Confirmed Facts vs Unclear

Confirmed

  • Final score: 0-0 OneFootball match data
  • Messi played and hit the bar late OneFootball match data
  • El Shenawy made 4 saves including on Messi DAZN live updates
  • Ustari saved Trezeguet penalty Fox Sports match report
  • Group A of FIFA Club World Cup FIFA official match report

Unclear

  • Exact possession split percentages
  • Full bench details and substitution minutes
  • Injury updates if any

The split between confirmed facts and open questions reflects the nature of a live event recap where official post-match reports are still being processed. Verified claims are backed by multiple sources; unclear items remain pending confirmation from official match reports.

What the experts said

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were held to a scoreless draw against Egypt’s Al Ahly in the opening game of the Club World Cup on Saturday night.

— ESPN News Services (ESPN match report)

Goalkeepers Oscar Ustari and Mohamed El Shenawy shone brightest in the action-packed 0-0 draw.

— FIFA Official Match Report (FIFA official report)

Inter Miami CF made its historic FIFA Club World Cup 2025 debut… earning a 0-0 draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly FC.

— Inter Miami CF Official (Inter Miami CF official statement)

Summary

The 0-0 draw delivered tension without resolution. Messi came close late but could not break through, while the two goalkeepers—Ustari and El Shenawy—earned their clean sheets through different means. For Inter Miami, the point represents a solid start against seasoned continental champions. Al Ahly will rue the missed penalty but take comfort from surviving a late onslaught. Both now turn their attention to tougher tests in Group A.

Related reading: Deportivo Alavés vs Real Madrid Lineups · Mexico vs Turkey Lineups

Additional sources

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Ahead of Inter Miami’s tense 0-0 draw with Al Ahly, the match preview dissected key tactical battles and player showdowns.

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Frequently asked questions

What are Inter Miami vs Al Ahly stats?

The match ended 0-0 with Al Ahly controlling the first half while Inter Miami created better chances after the break. Messi hit the bar twice, El Shenawy made four saves, and Ustari stopped a penalty.

What were the lineups for Inter Miami vs Al Ahly?

Key starters included Messi for Inter Miami and Trezeguet for Al Ahly. Marcelo Weigandt came on at halftime for Inter Miami, while Hussein El Shahat entered for Al Ahly in the 65th minute.

What is the final score of Al Ahly vs Inter Miami?

The match finished 0-0 at the end of 90+9 minutes at Hard Rock Stadium.

Where was Inter Miami vs Al Ahly played?

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida served as the venue for this Group A opener.

How to get Al Ahly vs Inter Miami tickets?

Over 60,000 fans attended the match. Ticket availability for future group stage matches can be checked through FIFA’s official channels and venue websites.

What are Inter Miami vs Al Ahly highlights?

Official highlights are available on FIFA’s YouTube channel. Beware of fake videos circulating falsely claiming a Messi hat-trick—the actual result was 0-0.

Did Lionel Messi play in Inter Miami vs Al Ahly?

Yes, Messi played the full match and had several chances, including a free kick that hit the post and a curling shot that rattled the crossbar in added time.