Oscar Ustari and Lionel Messi kept Inter Miami alive today against Al Ahly SC in the Club World Cup, securing an important draw that keeps their hopes alive for reaching the second round.
n the first match of the Club World Cup, Inter Miami’s performance against the Egyptian team was weak, and their defensive flaws were exposed in the first half. The African club was superior, relying on dynamic and mobile play from Ashour, Ben Romdhane, Mahmoud Trezeguet, and Wessam Abou Ali.
“The Herons” had few chances to score; their work was bad except for a penalty save by Argentine goalkeeper Óscar Ustari in the 42nd minute, stopping Mahmoud Trezeguet.
Lionel Messi showed flashes of brilliance with his distribution, often dropping deep near his goal area to help in defense and build up the few offensive plays of a team that looked sluggish in both defense and midfield.
Tomás Avilés underperformed in defense, and Sergio Busquets struggled in midfield. Up front, Luis Suárez appeared static, failing to move or pose any threat.
Second Half
In the second half, Inter Miami reorganized and began to create offensive chances as Al Ahly SC conceded possession. However, in the 76th minute, the Egyptian team broke free from the Americans’ dominance and launched a counter-attacking offensive.
As time passed, Inter Miami maintained control of the game. Al Ahly managed only two attacks, thanks to Messi finding a good target for his passes in Benjamin Cremaschi, who came on in the 72nd minute to replace Telasco Segovia, who had a poor performance.
Messi served as the spark Inter Miami needed, energizing the team and consistently posing a threat. As captain, he became the engine that powered “The Herons’” midfield and gave them hope in a game that could have easily slipped away.
Line Ups
Your Eagles for the FCWC opening match 🦅 pic.twitter.com/XAW1s26TEP
— Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) June 14, 2025
This XI is ready for @fifaclubworldcup 🤜 pic.twitter.com/yahPX0Mlf0
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 14, 2025
Cards
Inter de Miami
Federico Redondo Solari 🟨
Tomás Avilés 🟨
Changes
Al Ahly SC
Hussein El Shahat ➡️ Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, 14′
T. Mohamed ➡️ M. Ben Romdhane, 65′
H. El Shahat ➡️ Trezeguet 65
Inter de Miami
Weigandt ➡️ Tomás Avilés, 46′
Cremaschi ➡️ Telasco Segovia,72′
