Inter Miami kicked off the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a thrilling 0-0 draw against Al Ahly in the tournament’s opening match at Hard Rock Stadium, with Lionel Messi leading the squad both on and off the pitch. After the match, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi revealed what the Argentine icon told the team at halftime.
Coming into Group A play, Al Ahly were widely seen as the underdogs in a group that also includes Palmeiras and Porto. But the Egyptian champions surprised many by dominating the first half, forcing Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari into multiple key saves—including a penalty stop on Mahmoud Trezeguet in the 43rd minute.
Facing a tough first 45 minutes, Inter Miami responded after the break. The Herons flipped the momentum, pushing Al Ahly into a defensive shell. Messi led the charge, helping generate 10 second-half shots, but Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy delivered a stellar performance to keep the match scoreless.
While neither team found the net, players, coaches, and fans agreed it was a high-quality match that could have gone either way. With a point apiece, both sides now look ahead to crucial matchups as the group stage continues.
Messi’s halftime message
Inter Miami struggled physically and creatively in the first half, generating few chances while conceding several. But the team emerged with renewed purpose in the second half—thanks in part to a message from their captain.
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Speaking to reporters postgame, Cremaschi shared what Messi told the locker room at the break: “Leo said to go out there and not be afraid to play, to keep the ball, to be protagonists in the game.”
The message echoed coach Javier Mascherano’s strategy: stay composed, don’t rush, and take control of the tempo. The tactical adjustment nearly paid off with a late winner, and Cremaschi reflected on what it means to be part of the historic tournament.
“Playing in this tournament and being part of it is an honor—it’s a unique tournament. Having all these teams, all these legends playing, honestly, it’s incredible, and as an experience, it’s one of a kind,” Cremaschi concluded, embracing the moment.
