Kaylah Walton
Lionel Messi’s highly awaited first appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Miami concluded in disappointment as the MLS team played to a 0-0 stalemate against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Although the match lacked excitement, fans engaging on social media found humor in the interaction, or lack thereof, between Messi and YouTube sensation IShowSpeed right before the game.
Before making his way to the pitch, Messi shared a heartfelt greeting with former Real Madrid player Pepe. Despite IShowSpeed appearing eager to connect with the Argentine star, Messi made his way to the field instead.
While some supporters believed Messi was focused solely on the game, others speculated that he may have snubbed IShowSpeed due to the American’s previous criticism of him.
Inter Miami struggles to score
On the pitch, Al Ahly dominated the first half, crafting more chances and posing a threat on the break. Their best chance arrived in the 43rd minute when they received a penalty for a foul in the box.
Mahmoud Trezeguet took the penalty but was stopped by Inter Miami goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, who made a brilliant double save to keep the match level.
Conversely, Inter Miami seemed lethargic and found it hard to hold the ball under pressure. Although Messi displayed moments of brilliance, he struggled to create sustained threats and often dropped deep to retrieve the ball.
Last-minute drama but no goal
In the second half, Inter Miami showed more composure. Messi became more engaged, connecting with Suárez and crafting opportunities. Nevertheless, Al Ahly’s defense held strong, and their goalkeeper faced few tests until the final moments.
One of the highlights from the match came when Messi almost netted a signature game-winner. With mere minutes to go, he unleashed a curling shot from distance that beat the goalkeeper but hit the crossbar, leaving the fans in suspense. It was the best chance for either team to score, but it wasn’t Messi’s day.
This draw puts additional pressure on Inter Miami as they prepare for a significant match against FC Porto in their next group stage game. Al Ahly will take on Brazilian team Palmeiras, as all teams in the group aim for one of the top two positions to advance.
While the opening match didn’t showcase dazzling play, it highlighted the intense competition of the Club World Cup’s new format and the challenges that even the most renowned players encounter on the international stage.
