In a much-anticipated debut, Lionel Messi made his entrance as Inter Miami took on Saudi Arabian side Al Ahly. It was the team’s first match of 2025 Club World Cup. That meeting is set for the evening of October 24, 2023, at the legendary Lusail Stadium in Qatar. It’s a huge moment for both teams, especially for Inter Miami, as Messi looks to prove he can do the business at the highest level.
Right from the start, Messi immediately became an instrumental presence for Inter Miami. Only a few minutes into the first half, he got the ball and expertly dribbled it down field. He had passed about 30 yards when Al Ahly’s Attia trimmed his heels from behind. Though the tension of this early encounter foreshadowed what would be a very competitive match, both teams were hungry to set the tone.
Messi’s ability to pull defenders out of position was on display as he pulled the attention of up to five Al Ahly players. He had pulled off a brilliant manoeuvre and found his teammate Ashour wide open. Remarkably, Ashour had done enough to regain the line just in time. That understanding and connection between Messi and his teammates further showed just how important he is to Inter Miami’s game plan.
As the first half wore on, Messi forced himself a free kick chance. His only real attempt just barely cleared the bar, flying just four feet over it as it stunned and thrilled an entire packed stadium. Though that opportunity went begging, seeing Messi on the pitch once more injected a palpable boost in confidence and excitement to both his teammates and fans.
At 45+2’ in the first half, Messi tried an audacious olimpico, a true display of his creative genius. His supporters clamored for this time to come. They were rewarded with the kind of awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping technical wizardry that only he could provide.
The match’s backdrop included discussions about Inter Miami’s qualification for the tournament. These developments led to a hostile reception from many observers who questioned the legitimacy of Miami’s participation in this elite competition. Joe Pearson commented on this sentiment, saying:
“Never in my life did I think I’d be rooting for an Egyptian club side over an American side, but here we are. Miami’s ‘qualification’ for this tournament is a complete and utter farce, and I hope they get thumped.”
This perspective reflects the mixed feelings surrounding Inter Miami’s participation, particularly in light of Messi’s high-profile arrival.
Kurt Perleberg raised a thought-provoking question regarding the tournament’s purpose:
“Who is this Club World Cup for?”
His comments struck a chord with many fans who were looking for reassurance about the event’s importance in the broader context of international football.
Even with all the controversy over Inter Miami’s tournament eligibility, Messi’s presence was still front and center. The football world had been eager to see how he would adapt to playing against English Premier League opposition in a meaningful match.
The longer the match went on, the more Messi was able to show why he’s the greatest playmaker we’ve ever seen. He deserved his yellow card for the most ridiculous attempt at a foul ever. His body language demonstrated an unprecedented resolve to leave an indelible mark on the game. Football enthusiasts everywhere couldn’t help appreciate his unique ability to shape a game, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Nick Carter humorously noted his absence from the opening ceremony, asking:
“I missed the opening ceremony. Did Baggio take a Diana Ross penalty?”
This positive, tongue-in-cheek commentary helped to emphasize the enthusiasm of the event and the importance it played in the world of football.