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Daily Newsday Crossword

“Soccer star Lionel”

The verified answer to the Newsday Crossword clue “Soccer star Lionel”, with letter-by-letter analysis and the full puzzle context for the Sunday, March 8, 2026 puzzle.

Published · Down · 5 letters

Hints first

Letters 5
First letter M
Last letter I
M ? ? ? I

A 5-letter down entry from the Sunday puzzle

The Answer

M E S S I

The answer to “Soccer star Lionel” is MESSI

Letters 5
Direction Down
Published Mar 8, 2026

Letter analysis: the 5-letter answer

Vowels, consonants, and crossword construction notes
Unique 4 of 5 positions
Vowels 2 40% of word
Consonants 3 non-vowels
First letter M starts with

The clue “Soccer star Lionel” appeared in the Newsday Crossword on Sunday, March 8, 2026 as a down entry. The verified answer is MESSI — a 5-letter word that begins with M and ends with I.

This answer contains 2 vowels and 3 consonants. The Newsday Crossword is published daily by Newsday on Long Island and edited by Stan Newman, whose Saturday Stumper is widely considered one of the toughest mainstream crosswords in print.

Other clues with the answer MESSI

MESSI has been used as the answer for these Newsday Crossword clues
“Argentine soccer superstar” Apr 24, 2026

More clues from the March 8, 2026 puzzle

Sunday Newsday Crossword
View full puzzle
Box for practice 4 ℓ · D Rock to refine 3 ℓ · D Nautical "yes" 3 ℓ · A Nucleus occupant 6 ℓ · D Falsifier 4 ℓ · D Intended to, informally 6 ℓ · A Visitor to Oz 4 ℓ · D Gets slimmer 5 ℓ · D Celestial bear 4 ℓ · D In the manner of 3 ℓ · D Potato alternative 5 ℓ · A Soup can flaw 4 ℓ · D Old oath 4 ℓ · D Rec room table game 9 ℓ · D "That's it for me" 6 ℓ · D In decline 6 ℓ · D Half of hexa- 3 ℓ · A French impressionist 6 ℓ · D Craving 3 ℓ · D __ Ababa, Ethiopia 5 ℓ · D

Frequently asked questions about “Soccer star Lionel”

What is the answer to “Soccer star Lionel” in the Newsday Crossword?

The verified answer is MESSI — a 5-letter word that appeared as a down entry on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Soccer star Lionel”?

The answer MESSI contains 5 letters.

Was “Soccer star Lionel” an across or down clue?

This clue ran as a Down entry.

Is this site affiliated with Newsday?

No. This is an independent fan reference site — we are not affiliated with Newsday. The Newsday Crossword is a trademark of its respective owner. We solve and verify each Newsday Crossword puzzle manually before publishing the answer key.

Soccer star Lionel — Newsday Crossword Clue Answer | Newsday Crossword Answers