Messi playing in Charlotte this week? + Expanded rail service finds new life in Norfolk Southern letter

Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Hump Day!

We’ve got a brand new episode of “Sports Legends of the Carolinas” on tap for you today. Scott Fowler talked with former Charlotte Hornet and current television broadcaster Dell Curry.

The two discussed Curry’s playing days, raising his two NBA-player sons and the time Steph almost quit hoops.

Catch their full conversation here.

On to the news.

1. Messi in Charlotte? Inter Miami star plans to play Saturday in the Queen City

Bank of America Stadium is sure to be rocking on Saturday night when Charlotte FC hosts Inter Miami.

Not to mention Lionel Messi, one of the world’s best players, will possibly take the field too. Messi indicated yesterday after a match with the Argentina that he’d likely play this week against Charlotte.

Scott Fowler with more on Messi’s potential Queen City debut.

2. Charlotte to north Mecklenburg rail line dream finds new life in Norfolk Southern letter

Charlotte leaders say they’re “cautiously optimistic” progress is ahead for overcoming a longstanding hurdle to expanding public rail service into northern Mecklenburg County.

In a July letter to Mayor Vi Lyles and City Manager Marcus Jones — first reported today by the Charlotte Ledger — Norfolk Southern railroad said it’s “willing to consider engaging” with Charlotte and others in the region on access to tracks considered critical to the proposed “Red Line.”

Mary Ramsey with more.

3. Wedding party evacuated during fire at Lake Norman fine dining restaurant

A Lake Norman fine dining restaurant is temporarily closed after flames erupted on its roof Sunday night, fire officials said.

Everyone safely evacuated from Epic Chophouse in Mooresville after a piece of equipment on the roof caught fire. Guests in the restaurant included a wedding party, The Mooresville Tribune reported.

Joe Marusak shares more details from the night.

4. Exclusive: LA fast-casual healthy dining chain chooses Charlotte for expansion

A West Coast fast-healthy restaurant chain is making its Carolina debut in uptown as part of a nationwide expansion.

Sweetgreen signed a lease for a 2,900-square-foot space at One Independence Center, according to the restaurant. It joins several new dining options in uptown, including STK Steakhouse, Exotica Indian Kitchen & Bar and Dos Caminos.

Catherine Muccigrosso on when you can expect it to open.

5. Some more stories to read

• Another Carolina Panthers defensive player will miss significant time with an injury

• Mouse poop on walls, fruit flies found in Charlotte restaurant during inspection

• House Republicans are showing America they are incapable of governing | Opinion

• Mystery surrounds death of ‘half-naked’ NC man mistaken for a Halloween decoration

• Mailbag: What’s going on with the Charlotte Hornets and Miles Bridges?

---

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading! If you don’t already, subscribe to the Charlotte Observer here. If you’re already a subscriber (thanks!), download our iOS or Android app to stay connected.

Find more updates at charlotteobserver.com, and follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok to see more from us. Enjoy your day!

Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can sign up here.

This story was originally published October 18, 2023 at 3:00 PM.