Inter Miami Open FIFA Club World Cup vs Al Ahly

Hard Rock Stadium – Inter Miami CF and Egyptian side Al Ahly played to an entertaining scoreless draw Saturday night in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2025. Despite the nil-nil scoreline, the game was full of excitement, with both clubs generating ample chances to score and walk away with the three points. Al Ahly controlled the first half, and Miami dominated the second half. Here are some takeaways from Inter Miami’s debut in the tournament.

Oscar Ustari Was Unreal

The Inter Miami goalkeeper was easily the Man of the Match. Ustari made phenomenal saves throughout the game, keeping the Heron’s net clean. In prior MLS games right before the tournament, Ustari’s level of play had dropped significantly from his early-season form. The two weeks of rest did Ustari a world of good, as he looked refreshed and recharged. Not only did he make amazing saves, but he also blocked what could have been the game-winning penalty kick by Trezeguet. Perhaps, some of the other veteran players on the squad could use some rest.

Ustari is having a wonderful match… Brilliant saves & a penalty block…#MLS #InterMiamiCF #Messi #FIFACWC
pic.twitter.com/o3CXjI8kBb

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 15, 2025

Fast Pharaohs

Al Ahly’s speed posed a threat to Miami’s high defensive line. The Egyptians generated several scoring chances on fast counterattacks in the first half. Al Ahly could have put the game away early if it wasn’t for Oscar Ustari’s heroics. Mascherano made adjustments that allowed Inter Miami to form compact low blocks that diminished the space and opportunities for Ahly’s counters.

Messi Is A Marvel

Lionel Messi is the 8th wonder of the world. At nearly 38, he still puts out very high-level performances while facing players much younger. His shots on goal and pinpoint passes are to be expected, but his sacrifice on defense, especially on the last play of the game, makes this another memorable Messi moment.

Look at Messi tracking back to stop Al Ahly in the 95th minute 😱 Incredible pic.twitter.com/vgLsNkrOn5

— 𝐂𝐀 𝐕𝐀?🐐🐐 (@psg_chief) June 15, 2025

Ian Fray Can Play

Fray has a wonderful opportunity to showcase what many of us already know, that he is a special talent. At some point, Ian will be playing in a higher-level league in Europe. Fray showed his ability at right back and transitioned smoothly to center back, making a game-saving tackle towards the end of the game.

🚨Watch: Minute 98, Al-Ahly counterattacks, and Lionel Messi comes back to cover! ✅

🎥 @InterMiamiAr pic.twitter.com/iRCoOKXfKN

— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) June 15, 2025

MLS Strong

Inter Miami, LAFC, and Seattle Sounders all played strong matches in their FIFA Club World Cup debuts. Despite losing their matches, Seattle and LAFC both showed that, despite the budget restrictions imposed on them by MLS, they are not completely outclassed by some of the world’s best teams. Maybe, just maybe, these performances inspire MLS executives and owners to make it easier for teams to sign higher-caliber players and form stronger squads.

Time to take on the world. 🌐🏆

The @FIFACWC starts TONIGHT. pic.twitter.com/Q9uotMLy0H

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 14, 2025

Miami Miracle

Inter Miami has a fighting chance against Porto on Thursday night, and if they win, they could win the group with a result against Palmeiras. If that happens, it would be considered a Miami miracle. It’s a long shot, but when you have Lionel Messi on your team, miracles can happen.