The 2025 Club World Cup began with a draw without emotions between Inter de Miami and Al-Ahly.
The inaugural duel, played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, ended 0-0, leaving sensations found for both teams.
Lionel Messi played all the commitment, but failed to make differences in a game with few clear options.
From the initial whistle, the Egyptian team showed more ambition. It generated the best opportunities of the first half and even celebrated a goal that was annulled out of place at minute 31.
He even had the great chance to open the score from the penalty spot, but goalkeeper Oscar Ustari stopped the shot safely. Inter from Miami, meanwhile, was inaccurate and with little offensive generation, despite having Messi from the start.
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In the second half, the rhythm of the game fell considerably. Inter maintained possession, but did not find clear paths to the rival arch.
Messi had one of the clearest with a free kick at minute 64, which passed very close to the left stick. Al-Ahly responded with rapid transitions, although without forcefulness in the last meters.
The tie leaves both teams with the obligation to seek victory in their following meetings to keep their aspirations alive in the new format of the tournament.
This result marks a discreet start for the MLS team, which came as a favorite for its payroll and local condition.
The next day will be crucial to define the course of this group, in which Boca Juniors and Bayern Munich are also. Inter needs to improve its collective functioning if you want to advance in the contest and compete with world football giants.
eldeportivo.com.co
