Crossword Genius

Messi dribbles around 1, then 50, like a rocket (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

missile

'a rocket' is the definition.
(missile is a kind of rocket)

'messi dribbles around 1 then 50' is the wordplay.
'dribbles' indicates an anagram (dribble can mean to move a ball in sports).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'1' becomes 'i' (roman numeral).
'then' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'50' becomes 'l' (roman numeral).
'messi' is an anagram of 'misse'.
'i'+'l'='il'
'misse' enclosing 'il' is 'MISSILE'.

'like' is the link.

(Other definitions for missile that I've seen before include "Object forcibly propelled at a target" , "Weapon that is propelled" , "Military projectile" , "Cruise, perhaps" , "Projectile (sometimes guided)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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