By Kingsley June 15, 2025 | Kingsley
Lionel Messi, football’s eternal magician, walked off the Hard Rock Stadium pitch with frustration written all over his face. What was meant to be a triumphant start to Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign turned into a high-stakes wake-up call.
A 0-0 draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in their opening Group A match wasn’t just disappointing—it felt like a defeat.
And now, all eyes are on Messi.
A Home Game That Slipped Away
Playing just 30 miles from their home ground in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami couldn’t have asked for a more favorable setting. But despite the crowd, the atmosphere, and the magic of Messi, the breakthrough never came.
In a short three-match group stage, dropping points early is dangerous. A single loss or draw can shape your entire tournament path—and Inter Miami knows it.
When Messi Tries Everything—and It’s Still Not Enough
Messi, a three-time Club World Cup winner with Barcelona and a World Cup champion with Argentina, is no stranger to pressure. But Saturday night proved that even the greatest can have nights when the goal just won’t come.
From a near-perfect free kick in the 64th minute that missed the post by inches, to a last-gasp curler in stoppage time denied by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, Messi did everything but score.
His final assist attempt—a sharp cross to Fafa Picault—was equally brilliant, but once again El Shenawy stood tall.
It was a night of brilliance with no reward.
Suárez Backs the Maestro
Despite the draw, teammate Luis Suárez expressed full faith in the Argentine legend.
> “Everyone knows how much peace of mind it gives you to have him on your side,” Suárez told USA Today. “And I’m going to enjoy the time I have left playing alongside him and achieving important things with him, too.”
The sentiment is clear: the team believes in Messi. Now he must deliver.
Can Messi Rewrite the Script?
Messi has never exited in the group stage of a FIFA tournament. He’s not about to start now.
But with two games left in the group and everything on the line, he must rise again—not just as a player, but as a leader. Miami’s hopes rest on his left foot.
The question is: will the GOAT answer the call once again?