Messi feels knee pain after hard tackle in thrilling match against Al Ahly in Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicked off with a thrilling showdown on Saturday, June 14, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, takes on Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the group stage. Around the 35th minute of the first half, Messi felt a harder tackle on his knee, raising concerns, but the Argentine star got up and continued playing. The match, marking the tournament’s opening with 32 teams, remains intense, with goal-scoring chances for both sides and a scoreline still at zero. Broadcast by sportv, Globoplay, and Cazé TV, the game draws global attention, especially for the clash between Al Ahly’s African legacy and Inter Miami’s ambitious project. The competition, hosted in the United States, promises historic encounters, and this Group A battle, which also includes Palmeiras and Porto, has delivered excitement from the opening minutes.
The clash began with Al Ahly pressing Inter Miami’s ball distribution, while the hosts looked for spaces with quick passes. Messi, the match’s biggest star, struggled to break free from the Egyptians’ tight marking but kept attempting flair plays. The crowd, energized by the opening ceremony and the NBA-style player introductions, reacts to every move by the Argentine.
- Early moments: Al Ahly tried a long ball in the first minute, but Inter Miami’s defense stayed alert.
- First chance: At 4 minutes, Al Ahly’s Abou Ali missed a clear shot, firing straight at goalkeeper Ustari.
- Messi’s pressure: Despite being dispossessed on his first run, the number 10 remains Inter Miami’s offensive focal point.
The game’s intensity reflects the stakes of the opener for both clubs, with Al Ahly aiming to cement its African dominance and Inter Miami looking to prove itself on a global stage.
Opening ceremony sets the tone
Before the first whistle, Hard Rock Stadium hosted a vibrant ceremony with fireworks and lights welcoming the players. The player introductions, announced individually in NBA style, added a unique touch to the event. Messi, cheered loudly by the crowd, stole the spotlight, while Al Ahly’s captain, Mohamed El Shenawy, also earned applause. The celebration, which delayed the match start by a few minutes, underscored the tournament’s grandeur, featuring 32 teams for the first time. The event saw FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Ronaldo Nazário, who presented the trophy, in attendance.
The festive atmosphere quickly gave way to a hard-fought game, with tough fouls and referee interventions to keep control. The rivalry between the clubs, meeting for the first time, adds an element of unpredictability to the contest.
Minute-by-minute: key moments of the first half
The match has been packed with high-stakes moments, with both teams creating chances and the score still level. Below are the main highlights up to the 38th minute of the first half:
- 4’: Al Ahly’s Abou Ali shoots face-to-face with Ustari but sends the ball straight to the goalkeeper.
- 7’: In a quick counter, Trézéguet sets up Ashour, who shoots across goal; Ustari makes a great save to deny the goal.
- 14’: Messi takes a free kick straight at goal, but the ball sails too high and goes out.
- 29’: Al Ahly’s goal disallowed; Abou Ali scores, but the linesman flags for offside.
- 35’: Messi takes a hard tackle from Ateya, feels his knee, and shows frustration, demanding a card.
These moments highlight the game’s balance, with Al Ahly relying on fast breaks and Inter Miami trying to build patiently. The referee has been busy, issuing yellow cards to Inter Miami’s Redondo and Avilés for tactical fouls.
Tactical challenges for Inter Miami
Under Javier Mascherano’s guidance, Inter Miami struggles to penetrate Al Ahly’s well-organized defense. The Egyptian marking, led by players like Ateya and Dari, has neutralized Messi and Luis Suárez’s efforts. The American side, which favors a possession-based style, made mistakes in build-up play, like Avilés’ errant pass that led to a corner. Still, the defense, anchored by Ustari, has been solid, with key saves on shots from Dari and Abou Ali.
Redondo’s yellow card at 30 minutes highlighted the need for better tactical discipline, as the midfielder committed a harsh foul near the box. The home crowd, out in force, tries to lift the team, but Al Ahly keeps up relentless pressure.
Al Ahly’s African prowess
Coached by José Riveiro, Al Ahly arrived in Miami brimming with confidence as Africa’s football powerhouse. With 12 CAF Champions League titles and a recent Egyptian treble, the club boasts a balanced squad. Players like Wessam Abou Ali, the season’s vice-top scorer with 16 goals, and Percy Tau, a technical leader, are key attacking threats. Undefeated this season with seven wins and four draws in 11 games, the team shows physical and mental readiness.
Ashour’s forced substitution, leaving the field in tears at 12 minutes due to shoulder pain, was a setback, but Zizo’s entry added fresh energy to the midfield. Al Ahly keeps exploiting counter-attacks, with Trézéguet already testing the defense with dangerous shots.
Standout individual performances
Beyond Messi, who remains the focal point, other players have shone. For Inter Miami, goalkeeper Óscar Ustari stands out with critical saves, while Sergio Busquets tries to control the midfield under pressure. For Al Ahly, defender Dari nearly scored with a header, and Trézéguet shows confidence taking on defenders. Below are some key names:
- Óscar Ustari: Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, with vital stops at 7 and 32 minutes.
- Wessam Abou Ali: Al Ahly’s striker, dangerous but lacking precision in finishes.
- Trézéguet: Al Ahly’s midfielder, leading counters with speed and skill.
- Sergio Busquets: Inter Miami’s midfielder, trying to set the tempo despite tight marking.
The individual quality of both squads elevates the match, which promises more thrills as it progresses.
Group A’s significance in the tournament
Group A, featuring Inter Miami, Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and Porto, is one of the most competitive in the tournament. Every match is crucial, as only the top two teams advance to the round of 16. Palmeiras faces Porto on Sunday, June 15, at 7 p.m., at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, in another highly anticipated clash. Porto’s strength, with players like Galeno and Samu Omorodion, and Palmeiras’ consistency under Abel Ferreira make the group unpredictable.
For Inter Miami, a strong result against Al Ahly is vital to build momentum before facing such tough opponents. Al Ahly, meanwhile, aims to prove African football can compete toe-to-toe with other confederations.
Atmosphere and fans at Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium, one of the tournament’s 12 venues, is packed for the opening match. The crowd, largely behind Inter Miami, creates an intense atmosphere, but Al Ahly fans, traveling from Egypt and local communities, also make their presence felt with flags and chants. The vibe reflects the event’s magnitude, a warm-up for the 2026 World Cup, which will use the same stadium. Flawless organization, with heightened security and smooth access, ensures fan comfort.
The match, still in the first half, keeps everyone on edge with plays testing the players’ skill and patience. Expectations are high for even more action as the first half nears its end.
Set pieces and on-field strategies
Al Ahly has leaned on rehearsed set pieces, especially free kicks and corners, where Dari’s presence in the box is a major threat. Inter Miami, meanwhile, seeks attacking triangles, with Messi moving to find gaps. Some Inter Miami players, like Noah Allen, who lost a duel to Trézéguet, show a lack of rhythm, signaling a need for tactical tweaks.
The game remains open, with both teams showing mutual respect but not shying away from aggression. The hard tackle on Messi at 35 minutes was a clear sign of Al Ahly’s physical approach, undaunted by their opponent’s reputation.
Upcoming challenges ahead
Al Ahly will face Palmeiras on June 19 and Porto on June 23, both at MetLife Stadium. Inter Miami takes on Porto on June 19 and Palmeiras on June 23, in matches that will test Mascherano’s squad’s ability to compete at the highest level. Messi’s recovery after the knee tackle will be monitored, but his staying on the field so far is a relief for fans.
The match, yet to reach halftime, continues to deliver moments that justify the hype around the Club World Cup. The balance between the teams suggests any small detail could decide the outcome of this opening clash.
