• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

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

Jul 19, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (4) passes the ball in the second half of a preseason preparation soccer match against the Borussia Dortmund at Notre Dame.

Liverpool’s $598M Gamble Looks Pretty Average on the Pitch—So Far

Liverpool struggles after historic offseason spending and lofty expectations.
Signs promoting the FIFA World Cup Final coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2024. The World Cup is held every four years and the 2026 World Cup Final match will be played at MetLife Stadium.

High Ticket Prices Define First World Cup Presale

Most fans weren’t picked for the pricey first presale window.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers.