What next for Messi, Inter Miami aftter 0-0 draw against Al Ahly? | OneFootball

Inter Miami entered the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as a favorite over Al Ahly of Egypt but were ultimately forced to settle for a 0-0 draw and a share of the points

Both goalkeepers, Miami's Oscar Ustari and Al Ahly's Mohamed El Shenawy, were undoubtedly the best players on the night.

The scoreboard stayed untouched — a surprising outcome given the talent on display, including Messi, Luis Suárez, and Trezeguet. All eyes were on the attacking stars, but few expected the goalkeepers to steal the show.

Oscar Ustari was outstanding in the first half, making several key saves, including a penalty stop that kept Inter Miami in the game. El Shenawy took over the spotlight with a string of impressive saves of his own to ensure Al Ahly walked away with a clean sheet.

What can Inter Miami do differently on Matchday 2?

Yes, El Shenawy was brilliant. But the biggest way Miami gets better in the attack in their next match is simple: Suárez and Fafa Picault simply need to finish chances when they are as straightforward as they were in the first match.

Messi continues to create danger every time he touches the ball. But Al Ahly was very deliberate about marking him closely and physically, meaning it was always his supporting cast that was going to have more time and space. It's a safe bet Porto, Miami's next opponent, will try to do the same.

While Messi remains the creative engine, the team must improve its finishing and offer more movement off the ball. Precision in the box, quicker transitions, and better support are all part of it.

Inter Miami's Group A outlook

The good news for both clubs is that Palmeiras and Porto also drew 0-0 in their opening group match, leaving all four teams in the group with a chance to advance, at least mathematically.

But Miami was favored by oddsmakers in the opener. Now they will most likely need to pull what would be a genuine upset against South American or European opposition to reach the last 16.

Porto comes first on Thursday in Atlanta, before Messi and company return to South Florida to face the Brazilians on Monday.

The biggest boost Miami could get might be a return to health for Jordi Alba. Messi's former FC Barcelona teammate has been arguably's second-most important player since his arrival.

He's exactly the kind of player who could give Miami's attack more balance, and while missed Saturday's clash with a minor muscle injury that began late last month, he has not been ruled out for the whole competition yet.