Some consider Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi to be the greatest player ever to step foot on a field. Now, thanks to a Covington-based Argentine-style restaurant, two lucky fans can win the opportunity to see him play in the Queen City.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, Messi and his Inter Miami CF squad will face off against first-place FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Starting on Aug. 6, The Empanada’s Box, located at 212 W. Pike St. in Covington, is holding a giveaway for two tickets to the game. The giveaway lasts through Aug. 20.
Fans can enter to win starting Aug. 6 on The Empanada’s Box Instagram page. Entries close Aug. 20 at 10 a.m., and a winner will be randomly selected.
In addition to the giveaway, The Empanada’s Box is debuting a special combo meal featuring their Buenos Aires empanada, Cinci Chili empanada, Miami empanada and a yerba mate tea for the discounted price of $10; available Sunday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 20.
The Empanada’s Box co-owners Diego, Fabiana and Lucas Nunez are all natives of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. They have a photo of Messi hanging in the restaurant.
“It’s like two worlds colliding, our country’s soccer hero and FC Cincinnati playing on the same field right here in Cincinnati,” Diego said in a press release. “We felt like that was something to celebrate.”
Messi and the Argentina national football team defeated France in the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, securing the South American nation their third World Cup championship.
“We are huge FC Cincinnati fans and are so excited for an opportunity to see our country’s hero take on our favorite team,” Diego said. “We want to share our excitement with others by giving away a set of tickets to the game and to celebrate by bringing together our new home Cincinnati, Miami, and our native city of Buenos Aires in a special combo.”