Messi snubs Ronaldo fan IShowSpeed during Club World Cup opener between Inter Miami and Al Ahly
Photo: Reuters/Instagram
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with a goalless draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly, but the biggest talking point came from the sidelines. As players returned from the tunnel for the second half, Lionel Messi appeared to ignore streamer IShowSpeed, prompting a surge of online debate.
IShowSpeed, a prominent internet figure and known Cristiano Ronaldo supporter, was seen at the pitchside during the game at Hard Rock Stadium. As Messi walked out with his Inter Miami teammates, Speed waved and shouted in an attempt to grab his attention. Messi did not respond, nor glance in his direction, sparking viral reactions.
IShowSpeed just posted a close-up of Lionel Messi ignoring him 😭 pic.twitter.com/s1vU0oHuJ1
Clips of the moment quickly spread online, with many fans interpreting the silence as symbolic, given IShowSpeed’s well-documented favouritism towards Ronaldo in the ongoing Messi vs Ronaldo debate.
Despite the brief moment of online drama, Messi remained focused on the match. His team struggled in the first half, held at 0-0 by Al Ahly, who looked the stronger side for long spells. Goalkeeper Óscar Ustari was crucial for Inter Miami, making several vital saves, including a penalty stop from Trézéguet.
Messi nearly broke the deadlock late in the game with a signature curling shot bound for the top corner. But Mohamed El Shenawy managed a fingertip save, pushing the ball onto the crossbar to preserve the draw.