Crossword Genius

Blunder from star footballer, almost winning (4,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mess-up

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'blunder from star' is the definition.
'mess-up' can be an answer for 'blunder' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not certain of the 'from star' bit.

'footballer almost winning' is the wordplay.
'footballer' becomes 'messi' (footballer Lionel Messi).
'almost' means to remove the last letter (almost the whole word is kept).
'winning' becomes 'up' (eg being up at half time in football).
'messi' with its final letter removed is 'mess'.
'mess'+'up'='MESS-UP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mess-up that I've seen before include "Handle (something) ineptly" , "Go wrong -- create disorder" , "Fiasco" , "Muddle - confusion" , "Muddle, bungle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.