The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicked off with a surprising twist as Inter Miami were held to a 0-0 draw by Egypt’s Al Ahly in front of a packed crowd at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Despite the electric atmosphere and sky-high expectations surrounding Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates, it was Jose Riveiro’s Al Ahly who emerged with their heads held high after a disciplined and determined performance.
This opening group-stage match marked Inter Miami’s debut on the world club stage, and with the home crowd behind them, they were widely tipped to deliver a statement win.
But Al Ahly, the African giants boasting decades of continental pedigree, had other plans.
Luis Suárez and Messi’s longtime former Barcelona teammates, also featured prominently, but their efforts were neutralized by a physically imposing and tactically sharp Al Ahly defense.
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The Egyptian side, known for their structured, no-nonsense approach, absorbed wave after wave of Miami pressure with remarkable poise.
Al Ahly’s manager Jose Riveiro was full of praise for his squad: “We respected the opponent, but we weren’t afraid. We defended as a unit and earned a result that keeps us right in the competition.”
The draw leaves both teams on one point each in Group A, with decisive matches ahead to determine who will advance to the knockout stages.
For now, Inter Miami will need to regroup, while Al Ahly can take confidence from a strong showing on American soil.