Al Ahly, Inter Miami play to tie in CWC opener

Field Level Media|published: 06/14/2025, 10:21pm EDT

[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 14, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy tipped aside a high-arching shot by Lionel Messi late in stoppage time, and Inter Miami FC and Al Ahly FC played to a 0-0 draw in the opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday night in Miami Gardens, Fla.

El Shenawy and Al Ahly escaped with the draw after defending three corner kicks by Inter Miami in the final minutes of stoppage time. The tenor of the game changed sharply after the Egyptian club dominated the first half and Inter Miami captured momentum in the second half and stoppage time.

Both clubs earned one point for the draw. They are in the tournament's Group A, which also includes Portuguese club FC Porto and Brazilian club Palmeiras.

Messi nearly scored off a free kick in the 64th minute. He curled a shot toward the near post and it took one skip before zipping just wide and hitting the outside of the net.

--Field Level Media