Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes in Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup opener against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
The first half saw a subdued performance from the Argentine, as he struggled to make an impact amidst heavy pressure from Al Ahly, with Miami as a whole finding it difficult to settle into the match.
However, things took a turn immediately after halftime. Messi began to find his rhythm, and Miami’s attacking threat increased noticeably, shifting the momentum in their favor.
By the 60-minute mark, Messi had registered the most goal attempts on the pitch, a stark contrast to his quiet first half.
He ended the match with five shots, including three standout efforts that nearly secured a win for Inter Miami—one of which left club co-owner David Beckham visibly stunned.
📊 For full stats on Messi’s performance against Al Ahly, click on his name in the line-up section.
Lionel Messi may not have scored or assisted, but his influence on Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup opener against Al Ahly grew significantly as the match wore on.
After a quiet first half where both Messi and his team struggled under sustained pressure from the Egyptian side, the second half told a different story. The Argentine icon became increasingly involved, sparking several dangerous attacks and finishing the game with five shots—three of which came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock. Despite the lack of a goal contribution, his presence was undeniably felt.
📸 Off the pitch, Messi’s ever-watchful bodyguard—already something of a cult figure—was caught on camera at halftime, closely shadowing the star in a manner some joked resembled Javier Mascherano’s old midfield vigilance.
🤝 During the break, fans were also treated to a nostalgic scene as Messi and longtime teammate Luis Suárez were seen warmly embracing former rivals Kaka and Pepe. The moment captured the mutual respect shared among legends, even on football’s grandest competitive stages.
Though the game ended without Messi on the scoresheet, his growing influence in the second half and moments of class—both on and off the field—kept the spotlight firmly on him.
