Al Ahly Coach Explains How His Side Denied Lionel Messi Club World Cup Victory

Al Ahly and Inter Miami played out a goalless draw at FIFA Club World Cup. Photos: Miami Herald

Al Ahly Coach Explains How His Side Denied Lionel Messi Club World Cup Victory

Joel Omotto 08:47 - 15.06.2025

Al Ahly’s Spanish coach Jose Riveiro has rued missed opportunities from his side after coming close to beating Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Al Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro has expressed his disappointment after his side's 0-0 draw against Inter Miami in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday morning.

Riveiro believed his team could have secured a victory had they been more clinical in front of goal.

In his first competitive match since leaving Orlando Pirates and taking the helm at the Egyptian club, the Spanish coach praised his team's first-half performance.

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Inter Miami weathered intense pressure, relying heavily on goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who made five crucial saves to keep the score level at halftime.

While Lionel Messi garnered much attention, it was Ustari who stole the show with his exceptional saves. In the second half, the roles reversed, with Al Ahly's goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy proving vital in keeping Inter Miami at bay.

Riveiro Rues Missed Chances from His Al Ahly

Lionel Messi was a frustrated man during Inter Miami's match against Al Ahly. Photo: Miami Herald

Al Ahly had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 43rd minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, Ustari denied forward Trezeguet with a superb save.

“It’s a football game, a game of mistakes. We had a decent amount of chances in the first half to put the game in a different space and we put them in a hurry,” said Riveiro after the game as quoted by FIFA.com.

“In the second half, we were defending a little lower than what we wanted and then we had some problems in transition with controlling our first pass. It’s like we were playing in Cairo and that was a surprise for me in my first official match with Al Ahly. To be here in the States and have it like you were playing at home is something that can probably only happen in this competition.”

Al Ahly's next Club World Cup match is against Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday, June 19th at MetLife Stadium while Inter Miami will face FC Porto on the same day at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.