The Inter Miami vs Egypt’s Al Ahly clash, marking the opening matchup of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on Sunday (IST), churned out a goalless draw. Despite the no-win showdown, the revamped sports extravaganza kicked off to a massively entertaining athletic peak.

For the most part, Lionel Messi and his teammates failed to fire up a storm against the Egyptian giants, with goalkeeper Oscar Ustari standing tall like an unbreachable wall in the first half. Finally, the second half cleared up a path for him to score big, all thanks to a free kick. Alas, the perceived indomitable blow hit the crossbar after being pushed out by Mohamed El Shenawy. The eight-time Ballon d’Or-winning Argentine football legend was stopped yet again by the Egyptian goalkeeper with just seconds left on the clock.

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Despite Messi’s repeated denials at the goalpost, fans couldn’t help but cheer for the beloved sports superstar. And yet, the Egyptian goalkeeping duo ultimately stole not only the spotlight, but also the Inter Miami showstopper’s thunder in the first match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Inter Miami vs Al Ahly: Mohamed El Shenawy comes out on top despite goalless draw

While Lionel Messi’s frustration presumably knew no bounds due to the goalless streak despite his heavy-hitters, the internet erupted with frenzy over the Egyptian goalkeepers’ successful and explosive performance. Mohamed El Shenawy’s renewed ‘Greatest-Of-All-Time’ (GOAT) status took over social media trends, as netizens raved about his “top save” against the Argentine standout.

As Messi fans seethed with rage online, watching Shenawy in action, the Egyptian star’s fandom reminded everyone that the dependable goalkeeper always came though “when it comes to big occasions.”

“El Shenawy golden glove legacy game,” praised another user on X. Another hailed him as the “beast” who ultimately stopped Messi from scoring on Sunday (IST). As some called him the “real man of the match,” an X user went on to list El Shenawy’s achievements against Inter Miami: “90 minutes played. 44 touches. 5 saves. 3 saves from inside the box. 82% pass accuracy. 4 clearances. 100% aerial duels won. 100% successful run-outs.”

Yet another Al Ahly supporter called him the team’s “saving grace.”

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El Shenawy’s flight to stop Messi’s high-flying shot not only saved his team, but also won him points online. Praises for the Al Ahly player’s defence didn’t seem to cease on X on June 15 (IST). “Yea, we didn’t know of Mohamed El Shenawy before, but we sure do now… 2 HUGE stops in stoppage time against Falcon and Messi. Coming up when his side needed him most. The 36 year old keeper made himself known on the stage tonight!” cheered on yet another fan.

And so he did. The night’s thunder-stealer soared to the top of the all-time clean sheet rankings for the tournament, surpassing top stars like Manuel Neuer, Ali Khaseif and Dida da Silva, according to Foot Africa.