How has Lionel Messi fared in FIFA Club World Cup opener v Al Ahly?

Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes in Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup opener against Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The match provided a mixed performance from the Argentine, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by a slow start.

The first half saw Messi struggle to impose himself as Al Ahly’s relentless pressing disrupted Inter Miami’s rhythm. The Egyptian side dominated possession, leaving Messi isolated for large stretches. Despite this, he remained a constant threat, dropping deep to link play. After halftime, Messi’s influence grew significantly.

He began finding pockets of space and testing Al Ahly’s defense with his trademark dribbling and vision. By the 60th minute, he had registered the most shots on the pitch, signaling his increasing impact. Three of Messi’s five attempts came close to breaking the deadlock, including a stunning effort that left co-owner David Beckham in awe.

Though he didn’t score or assist, his presence lifted Inter Miami’s attacking intensity in the second half. Off the pitch, Messi’s ever-present bodyguard became a talking point, with fans humorously comparing his vigilance to Javier Mascherano’s defensive work rate. The halftime break also featured a heartwarming moment as Messi and Luis Suárez shared embraces with former rivals Kaká and Pepe.

While the match ended goalless, Messi’s growing influence as the game progressed was undeniable. His ability to shift momentum despite a quiet start highlighted his enduring class. Inter Miami will hope he can build on this performance as the tournament continues. The encounter also reinforced Messi’s status as a global icon, with every touch and movement drawing reactions from fans and opponents alike.

His leadership on and off the pitch remains vital for Inter Miami’s ambitions in the competition. As the final whistle blew, Messi’s performance left a sense of anticipation. Though not at his scintillating best, his flashes of brilliance served as a reminder of his unmatched quality. The question now is whether he can elevate his game further in the knockout stages.

For now, Messi’s display against Al Ahly was a tale of two halves—subdued at first, but increasingly influential as the match unfolded. His ability to adapt and impact games in key moments remains as sharp as ever. Inter Miami will rely heavily on Messi’s magic as they progress in the tournament. If his second-half performance is any indication, there’s plenty more to come from the legendary forward.