What does the cryptic crossword clue "International footballer Lionel Messi not entirely removing tree (7)" mean?

The definition is "International". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). LION (synonym="LION") + ESS (synonym="ESS") = LIONESS; definition: "International footballer" The answer is LIONESS.

International footballer Lionel Messi not entirely removing tree (7)

Independent Cryptic #11761 | 12 Across | 2024-06-20 flower

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