Lionel Messi's Inter Miami commenced their journey in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Al Ahly of Egypt at a packed Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Despite flashes of brilliance from the Argentinian superstar, the Herons were unable to break down a resolute Al Ahly defense, leaving fans with a sense of unfulfilled expectations as the tournament began.

Inter Miami, who qualified for the competition by virtue of being handpicked, started their campaign against the reigning continental champions from Africa. The match, the first of 63 in the expanded format, saw a vibrant atmosphere with a significant Al Ahly fanbase turning out to support their team, creating a quasi-road game environment for the home side.

The first half saw Al Ahly dominate proceedings, exposing gaps in the Inter Miami midfield and creating several scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari proved to be the hero for Miami, making a string of crucial saves, including a penalty stop in the 43rd minute to deny Al Ahly's Trézéguet. Inter Miami struggled to find their rhythm, playing at a pace that was simply not fast enough to trouble the organized Egyptian defense.

The second half saw a revitalized Inter Miami emerge, with Messi taking more control of the game. A free-kick from Messi grazed the side netting, briefly fooling a section of the crowd into thinking he had scored. Later in the half, a well-worked short corner led to Messi curling a shot towards the top corner, only to be denied by a fingertip save from Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who tipped the ball onto the crossbar.

Despite the increased pressure, Inter Miami couldn't find the elusive goal. Substitute Fafa Picault also came close, forcing another save from El Shenawy. Ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw, with both goalkeepers earning Man-of-the-Match consideration.

While Messi's individual quality was evident, Inter Miami, now under the stewardship of Javier Mascherano, struggled to find the cutting edge needed to secure a victory. The team's performance highlighted the challenges they face against top clubs from around the world in this expanded Club World Cup format.

Inter Miami will need to regroup quickly as they face a crucial match against Portuguese giants FC Porto in Atlanta on June 19. The game could prove decisive in determining their fate in the competition. They will then return to Miami to face Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras on June 23 to close out group play.

Despite the draw, Inter Miami can take some positives from their second-half performance and the heroics of goalkeeper Ustari. However, they will need to find a way to convert Messi's brilliance into goals if they are to progress further in the tournament and make a mark on the global stage. As winger Benjamin Cremaschi stated, Inter Miami needs to replicate their second-half performance in the matches to come to have a chance of competing in the tournament.