• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, December 16, 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 26, 2012; Glasgow, United Kingdom; Young fans wave Scottish flags during the group D men's preliminary match between Spain and Japan one day before the London 2012 Olympic Games at Hampden Park.

Scotland Warns Its Fans of ‘Eye-Watering’ World Cup Ticket Prices

Scotland’s warning to its fans dampens the country’s “World Cup fever.”

FIFA Gets 5M World Cup Ticket Requests As Fans Protest Prices

The governing body says it receives another 5 million ticket requests.

MLS Cup Surges to Record 4.6M Viewers As Nielsen Sorts Data Issues

Viewership spikes for the league’s championship event.
Nov 15, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2), middle, warms up before a match against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field.

NWSL Offers Players Rule Change to Pay Stars Over Cap

The league previously vetoed a deal she made with the Spirit.

Featured Today

How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup

Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
Dec 9, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during the first half at the 2025-26 NBA Emirates Cup at Scotiabank Arena
December 13, 2025

The Lucrative NBA Cup Is Here to Stay

The in-season tournament, launched in 2023, is turning into a staple.
The Los Angeles Chargers host executives from UCLA Health on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
December 7, 2025

The Multibillion-Dollar Business of Pro Athlete Recovery

What started as ice baths has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry.
Big League Wiffle Ball
November 29, 2025

Celebrity-Backed Wiffle Ball Has Big-League Aspirations

Big League Wiffle Ball team owners include Kevin Costner and David Adelman.
Aug 27, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Polina Kudermetova of Russia in action against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the second round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Three Russian Tennis Players Have Switched Nationalities in Offseason

Aryna Sabalenka has said she plans to continue to represent Belarus.
December 12, 2025

Caitlin Clark Says She’s ‘100%’ in Return to Court at USA Camp

Caitlin Clark returned to the court at full strength for USA Basketball.
December 15, 2025

Philip Rivers Return Means 5 More Years of Health Insurance—for 10 Kids

The QB’s large family can get another half-decade of health coverage.
Sponsored

20 Years of Coastal Cool: How Johnnie-O Became a Force in Golf,..

A style movement powering one of the fastest-growing brands in sports and lifestyle.
Tennis
December 11, 2025

Tennis Pro Suspended 20 Years for Alleged Match-Fixing Syndicate

Quentin Folliot was also fined $70,000.
Trinity Rodman
December 11, 2025

NWSL Will Vote on Seismic Rule Change to Keep Stars Like Rodman

The battle over Trinity Rodman’s future could reshape the NWSL.
Jan 18, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Dillon Dube (29) against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome.
December 10, 2025

Third Hockey Canada Trial Defendant Signs U.S. Pro Deal

Dillon Dubé signed a professional tryout agreement with the Blues’ AHL affiliate.
Pete Alonso
December 10, 2025

David Rubenstein’s Orioles Finally Give Free Agent Huge Contract

Pete Alonso is leaving New York after seven seasons.