Inter Miami and Al Ahly played out a thrilling 0-0 draw to kick off the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium, with both goalkeepers delivering standout performances in a high-tempo encounter.
In Miami, Lionel Messi was the person everyone was talking about, but it was Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari who got the first half of the match going with a number of great saves preventing Wessam Abou Ali, Emam Ashour, and Achraf Dari from scoring.
Al Ahly controlled the early part of the match and got a spot-kick just before the end of the first half, but Ustari was there again, saving not only Trezeguet’s shot but also the rebound in a truly masterly double save.
The Egyptian champions were so good that they didn’t manage to get a goal only because of the Inter defense that deflected the ball just before the line when the home team were gearing up to shoot. Javier Mascherano’s players reacted well after the break and came up with their best chance when Mohamed El Shenawy stopped Tadeo Allende from scoring at close range.
Due to the heat, the game lost some of its intensity towards the end, but Messi was almost successful with a curling shot that El Shenawy, with a brilliant save, deflected onto the crossbar.
Both sides now face a difficult challenge in a group that also features Porto and Palmeiras.
