Messi-mania, how schools are handling heat, here are today's top stories | Daily Briefing

Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal in the Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC.
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal in the Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC.
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To soccer fans and the soccer-curious, good morning. I'm Pat Brennan, your FC Cincinnati beat reporter for The Enquirer since 2015.

Tonight, the club will play in the biggest match in its history.

FCC is two wins away from winning the U.S. Open Cup, an in-season tournament that's more than a century old. This iteration of the competition started with 100 entrants, and we're down to the final four. Standing in FC Cincinnati's way at TQL Stadium tonight is a resurgent Inter Miami CF. The David Beckham-backed franchise acquired global soccer icon Lionel Messi this summer and won the Leagues Cup, a separate in-season tournament, on Saturday.

Messi dominated that competition. Now, he aims to upset Cincinnati's best attempt yet at a championship and win the 45th title of his own decorated career. Messi's just the player to do it, too, after conquering the highest levels of the game for most of this century, including December's FIFA World Cup in Qatar with Argentina.

Messi's visit to Cincinnati is a singular moment in our sports history. Think Taylor Swift meets Beatlemania, and the Queen City will serve as the grand stage for a game broadcast that's beamed around the world. As FC Cincinnati president and former city councilman Jeff Berding told me in a recent interview of the match versus Messi: "the eyes of the world will be on Cincinnati."

So buckle up, Cincinnati! It could be a magical night. Read my prediction for the match here. Follow along with our coverage and any Messi-related festivities here.

What else you need to know Wednesday, Aug. 23

☀️ Weather: High of 96. Hot with blazing sunshine; little relief from the heat

🏫 Schools: Some schools without air conditioning go remote: Here's what to know in Greater Cincinnati.

🏢 PNC Tower: Downtown's iconic building transforms into 281 apartments.

🎟️ Reds: Season ticket renewals going up in price for first time since 2018.

🎶 Bob Dylan: Music legend performing Cincinnati concert this fall.

Before you go: Stuff your face like Messi

CheŽ is an Argentinian-owned and operated bar and restaurant on Walnut Street in Cincinnati that serves artisanal empanadas.
CheŽ is an Argentinian-owned and operated bar and restaurant on Walnut Street in Cincinnati that serves artisanal empanadas.

Whether you're planning on watching the match or not, you can still celebrate with your stomach tonight. Food writer Keith Pandolfi rounded up five local Argentine-style restaurants so soccer fans can eat like Messi, an Argentina native.

From Butcher and Barrel to Che, click here to see what's on Cincinnati's Messi menu.

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Today's Top Stories

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) delivers in the first inning during a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) delivers in the first inning during a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

• Cincinnati Reds LHP Nick Lodolo suffers injury setback, throwing rest of season in doubt

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

• Who is Joe Burrow's girlfriend, Olivia Holzmacher? Bengals fans think QB is engaged

• 'Hell on wheels' Ohio teen gets prison in 100 mph intentional crash that killed boyfriend, friend

Tickle Pickle announced Friday on Facebook that it has opted not to renew its lease with Listermann Brewing, closing its location inside the taproom kitchen nearly one year after opening.
Tickle Pickle announced Friday on Facebook that it has opted not to renew its lease with Listermann Brewing, closing its location inside the taproom kitchen nearly one year after opening.

• Listermann saying goodbye to rock ’n’ roll burger joint, going solo with new restaurant

Ty Brown (26) stiff-arms his way past the Colerain defense of Fernando Roland (54) for a La Salle first down at Lancer Stadium, Aug. 18, 2023.
Ty Brown (26) stiff-arms his way past the Colerain defense of Fernando Roland (54) for a La Salle first down at Lancer Stadium, Aug. 18, 2023.

• Vote: Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky high school athlete of the week, Aug. 21

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Messi-mania, how schools are handling heat | Daily Briefing