Inter Miami CF marked a significant chapter in its young history with a gritty 0-0 draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly FC in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The match, played in front of a spirited crowd at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, saw Inter Miami make its debut on the global stage just six years after the club’s founding.
In a contest filled with tension, intensity, and drama, goalkeeper Óscar Ustari emerged as the standout performer for the MLS side, producing a string of vital saves—including a critical first-half penalty stop—to preserve a clean sheet and secure a valuable point for the Herons.
Inter Miami fielded a mix of youth and experience, led by global icon Lionel Messi and veteran striker Luis Suárez. Behind them, Sergio Busquets and rising star Federico Redondo anchored the midfield, while the back line featured Ian Fray, Tomás Avilés, Maximiliano Falcón, and Noah Allen.
The match began with cautious energy as both teams felt each other out. Al Ahly, one of Africa’s most successful clubs, controlled large spells of possession, but Inter Miami’s defensive structure held firm.
In the 33rd minute, Ustari delivered a highlight-reel save, diving to deny a close-range header that looked destined for the back of the net. Ten minutes later, he stole the show once again, diving low to his right to stop a penalty from Egyptian international Trezeguet, preserving the deadlock heading into halftime.
Inter Miami nearly took the lead moments before the break, when a Lionel Messi cross found Tadeo Allende inside the six-yard box. But Al Ahly’s defense made a clutch goal-line clearance to keep the scoreboard clean.
The second half saw both sides push for a winner. Inter Miami gained momentum late and nearly stole all three points in a dramatic final stretch. Substitute Fafa Picault’s powerful 85th-minute header forced a fingertip save from Al Ahly’s keeper. Then, deep into stoppage time, Messi unleashed a trademark long-range strike that rattled the crossbar, sending gasps through the stadium.
In the eighth minute of injury time, center back Maximiliano Falcón nearly played the hero with a soaring header, but once again Al Ahly’s goalkeeper stood tall to deny the breakthrough.
The goalless draw may not have produced fireworks on the scoreboard, but it was a statement performance for Inter Miami, which just a few seasons ago was fighting for relevance in MLS. With two titles and a record-breaking regular season already in its rearview, the Herons have now taken their place on the global stage.
“Today was a proud moment for our club,” said head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino after the match. “To stand toe-to-toe with a club of Al Ahly’s stature and come away with a result shows how far we’ve come.”
Inter Miami will return to FIFA Club World Cup group stage action on Thursday, June 19, when they face Portuguese powerhouse Porto FC. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, once again at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With the group still wide open, another strong performance could push Inter Miami closer to a historic knockout stage berth in their first-ever Club World Cup appearance.
