• Lionel Messi's stoppage-time shot was tipped onto the bar, leading to a 0-0 draw.
• Over 60,000 fans attended the Club World Cup opener at Hard Rock Stadium.
• Both teams missed penalty opportunities that could have secured a win.
• The match featured significant defensive efforts from both goalkeepers.
• Miami's next challenges include facing Porto and Palmeiras in the tournament.

In the opening match of the Club World Cup on June 14, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami battled to a 0-0 draw against Egypt’s Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, attended by 60,927 fans. The game saw Messi denied a dramatic late winner when his curling shot from 20 yards was expertly tipped onto the crossbar by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy in stoppage time, while Miami’s Oscar Ustari saved a first-half penalty from Trezeguet, keeping the score level throughout the match, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and India Times.

The first half predominantly featured Al Ahly's dominance, who could have taken the lead with several close attempts, but were consistently thwarted by Ustari. Notably, Wessam Abou Ali had a goal disallowed for offside and Trezeguet missed a clear opportunity by having his penalty saved, missing a crucial chance for the Egyptian club, according to Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

Miami staged a comeback in the second half, with Messi's free-kick hitting the post and the side-netting, emphasizing their improved attacking performance. Al Ahly's coach, Jose Riveiro, noted the missed opportunities, stating, “It’s a game of mistakes. We had a decent amount of chances in the first half to put the game in a different space,” highlighting the frustration from both teams at not securing a win, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

Despite the absence of goals, the opening match was regarded as successful for FIFA, not only due to the strong attendance but also because the event proceeded smoothly, avoiding the chaos seen during previous tournaments. Both teams face greater challenges ahead, with Inter Miami's upcoming fixtures against Porto and Palmeiras, which are expected to be tougher tests in their quest for advancement in the tournament, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and India Times.