The opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Inter Miami and Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium may have concluded in a goalless draw, but an off-the-ball incident quickly became the talk of the internet. Global football icon Lionel Messi appeared to ignore internet sensation and fervent Cristiano Ronaldo admirer, IShowSpeed, as he emerged from the tunnel for the second half.
The widely recognized American streamer, celebrated for his boisterous and unpredictable online persona, was positioned pitchside. As the Argentine superstar walked out with his teammates, Speed attempted to capture Messi’s attention with an enthusiastic shout and a wave. However, the World Cup winner offered no discernible response, not even a fleeting glance, a moment that swiftly ignited a flurry of online reactions and memes across social media platforms.
For a significant portion of fans, the interaction was laden with deeper meaning, given IShowSpeed’s well-documented obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo. The streamer frequently champions Ronaldo as the “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time), often in direct contrast to Messi, amplifying the perceived snub. The viral nature of the encounter quickly led to countless clips and satirical content flooding the internet.
Despite the online frenzy, Messi’s focus remained squarely on the match at hand. His Inter Miami side was locked in a tense 0-0 battle with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, and he was clearly intent on making a significant impact in the second half after a relatively quiet opening 45 minutes.
Miami had been under considerable pressure throughout the first half, with their goalkeeper Óscar Ustari delivering a heroic performance. Ustari pulled off a string of remarkable saves, including a crucial penalty stop from Trézéguet, which proved instrumental in keeping the MLS side in contention.
Messi nearly provided a moment of sheer brilliance late in the game. He unleashed a trademark curling effort aimed for the top corner, only to be denied by a spectacular fingertip save from Mohamed El Shenawy. The Al Ahly goalkeeper’s intervention pushed the ball onto the crossbar, marking the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock in the tight and dramatic tournament opener.
Watch the video below:
