• Loading stock data...
Friday, January 9, 2026

Ronaldo, Messi Team Up for Second-Most-Liked Instagram Post Ever

  • Ronaldo’s post depicting the pair playing chess has garnered over 36.9 million likes.
  • Ronaldo became the first person in Instagram history with over 500 million followers.
Louis Vuitton campaign featuring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Rolando playing each other in chess
Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated Instagram once again.

Ronaldo’s post depicting the pair of all-time great soccer players playing chess against one another has garnered 36.9 million likes as of writing — the second-most-liked Instagram post of all time.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

Messi’s accompanying post has 28.5 million likes — so far, the fifth-most-liked post on the platform ever.

The images posted Sunday — the day of the 2022 World Cup’s start — were part of a paid partnership with Louis Vuitton and were captured by world-famous photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Including the new campaign, Ronaldo and Messi are each responsible for four of the top 20 most-liked Instagram posts of all time.

Ronaldo also recently became the first person to hit 500 million followers in the social media giant’s history.

According to Nielsen, the average media value of a branded social post from Ronaldo is worth $2.79 million while one from Messi is worth $1.95 — the two most for any soccer player in the world.

Kylian Mbappe completes dribble during France match against Austria during Nations League match

World Cup Brings Together Highest-Paid Soccer Players

Kylian Mbappé is the World Cup’s highest-paid player.
November 20, 2022

For as much clout as the two GOATs carry, they still can’t approach the most-liked Instagram post of all time.

That honor belongs to a picture of an egg that has captured 55.9 million likes since January 2019.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 24, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Nashville SC during the first half at Chase Stadium.

Lionel Messi, Logan Paul Resolve Beverage Dispute

The anti-competitive behavior and trademark dispute dates back to 2024.
Christian Pulisic

FIFA’s $60 World Cup Tickets Come With a Major Catch

Only members of American Outlaws, Barra 76, and Sammers are eligible.
May 21, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution owners Robert Kraft (left) and Jonathan Kraft look on before the game between the New England Revolution and the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium.

Krafts Reach Deal With Boston for New MLS Stadium

The Krafts have been trying to move the team closer to Boston for years.
Hockey: PWHL-Boston at Toronto

Emerging Women’s Sports Leagues Kept Expanding in 2025

Beyond the WNBA and NWSL, women’s sports kept growing.

Featured Today

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports
January 2, 2026

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Jan 6, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center.

LeBron James on the Verge of Losing Two 21-Year Streaks

James has qualified for every All-Star Game since 2024.
exclusive
January 7, 2026

Tiger Woods’s 50th Birthday Party Has Jon Bon Jovi and a Title..

The golf superstar is hosting a belated 50th birthday bash.
January 7, 2026

Trae Young Shipped to D.C. in NBA Season’s First Blockbuster 

Young has a player option for next season worth $49 million. 
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 5, 2026

Saquon Barkley Whiffs on Incentives a Year After Sweeping Them

Barkley sat out Sunday’s game to rest for the postseason. 
Aug 18 2024; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Aryna Sabalenka at the net with Iga Swiatek of Poland after their match on day seven of the Cincinnati Open.
January 5, 2026

Women Tennis Players Continue to Blast Battle of the Sexes

“The guy is detestable,” one former women’s pro said about Nick Kyrgios.
January 2, 2026

McIlroy Roasts LIV, But Would Welcome Players Back to PGA Tour

McIlroy admitted he was “too judgemental” of professionals who left for LIV.
January 2, 2026

Sabalenka, Kyrgios Hint at ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Sequel

Sabalenka lost to Kyrgios in straight sets in the controversial exhibition.