Inter Milan were denied a winning start at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, as they were held to a 1–1 draw by Mexican side CF Monterrey in a dramatic group stage clash.

The match saw a familiar face rise to the occasion for the Liga MX side. On the 25th minute, former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos reminded the world of his set-piece prowess. The veteran defender outjumped the Inter backline and powered a header into the corner following a well-delivered corner kick.

But the UEFA Champions League finalists responded before half-time. Argentine star Lautaro Martínez found the net in the 41st minute, smashing home from close range after an assist from Carlos Augusto.

Martínez had two more chances to turn the game in Inter’s favour after the break. He saw his second goal ruled out for offside, and later fired just over the bar with a thunderous strike from inside the box. Despite the pressure, Monterrey held firm to earn a hard-fought point.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Monterrey - Inter Milan 1:1 (1:1)
Goals: Ramos S., 25 (1:0); Martínez L., 42 (1:1)

Monterrey: Andrada; Chávez Ric. (Aguirre, 58); Arteaga G.; Guzmán; Medina; Ramos S.; Rodríguez J.; Torres Ó. (Deossa, 58); Canales (Rojas, 89); Ocampos (Cortizo, 89); Berterame (Ambríz, 78)
Bench: Cárdenas; Reyes L.; Sánchez Gus.; Leone; Corona Jesus; González Ar.; Fimbres; Alvarado; de la Rosa
Yellow Cards: Rodríguez J. 45

Inter Milan: Sommer; Acerbi; Pavard (Luis Henrique T.L., 58); Carlos Augusto (Dimarco, 68); Darmian; Bastoni; Mkhitaryan (Zalewski, 78); Asllani K. (Sučić P., 68); Barella; Martínez L.; Esposito Se. (Thuram M., 58)
Bench: Di Gennaro; Martínez J-p; Calligaris; de Vrij; Palacios T.; Cocchi; Carboni V.; De Pieri; Berenbruch
Yellow Cards: Asllani K. 61; Barella 88; Martínez L. 96