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WHU
AFCON 2025
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Over 60,000 fans witnessed a thrilling goalless draw as Al Ahly’s defense and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy kept Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at bay in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener.
Over 60,000 fans packed Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens to witness a thrilling, goalless draw between African powerhouse Al Ahly and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite the absence of goals, the match was a spectacle of intense goalkeeping heroics and tactical battles, with Messi’s magic on the ball constantly tested by a resolute Al Ahly defence and a standout performance from Inter Miami’s veteran goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari.
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Goalkeepers steal the show in a cagey battle
The game quickly evolved into a goalkeeping masterclass. Oscar Ustari, the 38-year-old Argentine veteran, was named man of the match after an extraordinary display that included eight crucial saves.
His most dramatic moment came just before halftime when he denied a penalty from Al Ahly’s Mahmoud Trezeguet, a save that arguably prevented what could have been a humiliating defeat for Inter Miami.
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Ustari’s calm and razor-sharp reflexes kept Miami in the game against a relentless Al Ahly attack that dominated the first half in terms of chances created.
On the other end, Al Ahly’s Mohamed El-Shenawy was equally impressive, making three key saves, including a spectacular fingertip stop in stoppage time to deny Messi a last-minute winner.
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El-Shenawy’s late heroics ensured the match ended in a stalemate, preserving Al Ahly’s unbeaten record and frustrating the home crowd eager for a Messi moment.
Messi’s near-magic
Lionel Messi, the tournament’s biggest star, came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock multiple times.
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His curling free kick in the 64th minute grazed the post, sparking wild celebrations from fans who momentarily thought he had scored.
Later, in added time, Messi unleashed a long-range shot that was deflected onto the crossbar by El-Shenawy, denying what would have been a storybook winner for Inter Miami.
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Throughout the match, Messi orchestrated key plays, including a near-goal assist to Fafa Picault, and was consistently targeted by aggressive Al Ahly defenders trying to contain his influence.
Tactically, Al Ahly pressed high and forced Inter Miami to play cautiously in the first half, creating more chances but failing to capitalise.
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Miami improved its rhythm after halftime, with Messi leading the charge, but the deadlock held firm.
The draw leaves both teams with a challenging path ahead in Group A, where they will face tough opponents like Palmeiras and Porto, with only the top two advancing to the knockout stages.
In sum, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener was a gripping encounter defined not by goals but by goalkeeping brilliance and Messi’s tantalising near-misses, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.