FIFA Club World Cup: Frustrated star disappointed Al Ahly didn’t ‘k*ll’ Leo Messi and Inter Miami

Al Ahly’s star striker Wessam Abou Ali has expressed his disappointment after his team was held to a goalless draw by Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener.

Despite dominating the first half and creating numerous chances, including a missed penalty by teammate Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ali felt his side should have sealed the victory early.

Speaking to FIFA after the match, the 26-year-old forward was honest about his frustration.

“I’m disappointed with the result,” Ali said emphatically. “We could have taken all three points. We respect Inter Miami and their big-name players, but we could’ve finished the game in the first half by scoring three or four goals.”

Ali’s comments show how the Red Devils were made to rue the missed opportunities they had in the opening 45 minutes, where they created five big chances but failed to convert any, including the penalty from 12 yards.

Nevertheless, Ali also thanked the fans for their passionate support, which he believes will motivate the team in upcoming matches.

“Thanks to all the fans, your presence will push us to give everything in the upcoming matches,” he added.

The striker’s words serve as a pointer to Al Ahly’s determination to bounce back stronger as the tournament progresses, despite the frustration of not capitalising on their early dominance against a star-studded Inter Miami side.

Inter, who stayed in the game thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, could have won it late on following a stunning Lionel Messi effort, but for Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mohamed El-Shenawy, 36, who also put on a show in the match.