Inter Miami vs Al Ahly FC

Photography by: Rodolfho Chona

In just its sixth year of existence, Inter Miami CF etched another milestone into its history, debuting in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a spirited 0-0 draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly FC at Hard Rock Stadium. Amidst a crowd of 60,927 fans, the match delivered tension, drama, and a showcase of resilience, epitomized by Miami’s goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, whose heroic performance kept his team in contention.

The first half belonged to Al Ahly, who unleashed waves of pressure and tested Miami’s backline repeatedly. Ustari, turning back the clock at 39 years old, made crucial interventions, including a stunning penalty save against Trézéguet in the 43rd minute after Telasco Segovia’s foul in the box. Ustari’s quick reflexes denied what seemed to be a certain goal, drawing praise from Miami head coach Javier Mascherano: “Oscar kept us alive in the first half—not just with the penalty save but with two or three other incredible stops.”

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, struggled to gain a foothold early on. Their sole first-half highlight came when Tadeo Allende nearly connected with a Messi delivery, only for Al Ahly’s defense to intervene with a timely clearance.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Inter Miami emerge, carrying more confidence and precision in their play. Messi orchestrated attacks with his trademark vision, coming inches from scoring twice—first with a curling free kick that skimmed the net and later with a thunderous long-range shot tipped onto the crossbar by Al Ahly’s Mohamed El Shenawy.

Late substitutes Fafa Picault and Benja Cremaschi added energy to Miami’s front line, with Picault’s header in the 85th minute drawing another fingertip save from El Shenawy. Despite their relentless second-half pressure, Miami couldn’t find the breakthrough, leaving Mascherano with mixed emotions: “In the second half, we improved a lot. We created chances, controlled the game, and finished feeling like we could’ve won.”

For Al Ahly, the draw was a reminder of their pedigree as the world’s most decorated club, though they rued missed opportunities in the first half. “We had chances to finish the game early,” said Al Ahly forward Wessam Abou Ali. “But credit to their goalkeeper—he made the difference.”

Off the pitch, the electric atmosphere showcased the tournament’s growing appeal. Al Ahly fans, many traveling from afar, brought the fervor of Cairo to Miami, creating a sea of red that rivaled the cheers for Messi and Miami. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, freshly knighted in England, also added to the spectacle, drawing applause when featured on the stadium’s jumbo screen.

With the draw, Inter Miami and Al Ahly await the outcome of Group A’s second match between Palmeiras and Porto. Miami’s next challenge comes Thursday against Porto in Atlanta, while Al Ahly face Palmeiras in New York.

Mascherano remains optimistic: “This tournament is a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves against the world’s best. Tonight, we showed we belong on this stage.”

For now, Inter Miami’s debut may not have been a win, but it was a performance worthy of the Club World Cup stage—proof of how far the young club has come and a glimpse of the journey still ahead.