Miami, Florida | June 14, 2025
In a dramatic and high-octane opener to the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Al Ahly and Inter Miami delivered a thrilling showdown under the lights of Hard Rock Stadium, ending in a 0-0 deadlock that was anything but boring.
Football fans expecting fireworks from Lionel Messi weren’t left disappointed, but the Argentinian maestro — despite his signature flair and two bending free-kicks — couldn’t pierce through Al Ahly’s ironclad defense and the superhuman reflexes of goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who left fans and attackers equally stunned.
🔥 First-Ever Clash, New Chapter in Global Football
This marked the first time ever these two powerhouses clashed on the pitch, symbolizing not just a game, but a seismic collision of football cultures — the glitzy, Messi-led American dream vs. the battle-tested African giants.
Al Ahly, boasting a trophy chest with a jaw-dropping 155 titles, including their 45th league win this season, showed the world why they’re still the kings of African football. They kept Inter Miami’s attacks at bay with clinical composure, while also pressing high early with threats from Wessam Abou Ali and Emam Ashour.
⚽ Squad Shakeups & Injuries
Inter Miami entered the match with a somewhat patched-up defense, missing big names like Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Luján, and Yannick Bright. Despite the setback, coach Javier Mascherano kept a strong shape and focused strategy, leaning on Messi and midfield muscle to carry the play forward.
On the other end, Al Ahly enjoyed a fully fit squad, and it showed — with fluid rotations, aggressive pressing, and counter-attacks that pushed Miami onto the backfoot multiple times.
🌐 Broadcast Blitz: A Global Spectacle
This match was a broadcast behemoth, streaming across DAZN, TBS, Univision, TUDN in the U.S., while DAZN UK, Channel 5, and other international networks delivered the action worldwide. The eyes of the footballing universe were locked on Miami.
📅 What’s Next in the Tournament?
- Inter Miami now brace for a heavyweight showdown against FC Porto on June 19 in Atlanta — a test that could define their Club World Cup journey.
- Al Ahly will face Brazilian giants Palmeiras on June 20 back at Hard Rock Stadium, in what promises to be another clash of titans.
💭 Final Word
This wasn’t just a goalless draw — it was a tactical chess match filled with grit, near-misses, and the unmistakable tension of two world-class sides refusing to blink first. With Messi still searching for his first goal in this edition and Al Ahly roaring with momentum, the tournament just got a whole lot more interesting.