Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were held to a goalless draw by Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Saturday, as FIFA’s new 32-team tournament kicked off smoothly in front of 60,927 fans at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
Messi nearly delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner, but his curling 20-yard strike was tipped onto the crossbar by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy in the dying moments of the Group A match.
Al Ahly, backed by more than 10,000 vocal fans, had their own chances to seal the win. Egypt international Trezeguet saw his first-half penalty saved by Miami’s Argentine keeper Oscar Ustari, while El Shenawy made a crucial late save from Maxi Falcon’s header to preserve the draw.
Despite the lack of goals, FIFA could take satisfaction in a well-run opening night. Fears of a low turnout were eased as the 64,000-capacity stadium filled steadily before kickoff. Security and ticketing ran efficiently, a notable improvement from last year’s chaotic Copa America final at the same venue.
Off the pitch, the atmosphere was electric. Al Ahly fans, representing the 12-time African Champions League winners and 45-time Egyptian league champions, arrived early and filled the stadium with nonstop singing and chanting.
First-Half Chances, Second-Half Surge
Al Ahly started strong, creating several early chances. Emam Ashour was denied by Ustari after a clever setup from Trezeguet, while Wessam Abou Ali — a Palestine international born in Denmark — had a goal disallowed for offside and later forced another fine save from Ustari.
The key moment of the half came when Telasco Segovia fouled Zizo in the box. But Trezeguet’s weak penalty was saved, and he failed to capitalize on the rebound.
Inter Miami found their rhythm after halftime. Messi came close with a free-kick in the 64th minute that clipped the outside of the post, fooling some fans into thinking he had scored. His final attempt in stoppage time, following a clever short-corner routine, was superbly kept out by El Shenawy.
Coaches React
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, whose team next faces Porto in Atlanta on Thursday and Brazil’s Palmeiras next Monday, remained optimistic.
“In the second half, we played without fear. If we can keep that level, we can match any team,” said the Argentine.
Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro, managing his first official game with the club, lamented missed opportunities. “We had enough chances in the first half to take control,” he said, but praised the passionate support: “It felt like we were playing in Cairo. That kind of support abroad only happens with a club like this.”