Lionel Messi is a gem on and off the field. With a whopping 504M followers on Instagram, he is still the owner of the most liked Instagram posts in 2025. Yes, “posts,” you heard it right!
While the post of his World Cup 2022 celebration is still the numero uno, we also have his post of sleeping with the World Cup as one of the most popular ones.
Further, with Messi topping the chart, we also have Cristiano Ronaldo holding the record for some of the most loved Instagram posts. Is your favorite star on the list?
So, check out this Social Media Magazine list of the 20 most liked Instagram posts in 2025. Let’s wind the year in style!
The most liked Instagram posts tickle our emotions. Some posts resonate with our passion for a star like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, or some share our love for our nation or the things we love.
Further, in any way or other, these posts are about connections, nostalgia, happiness, memories, and more! Here is the list of the top 20 IG posts from us!
Now, the list is made based on the latest data available. So, when you see them, the number of likes may be even higher.
| Did You Know? BTS’ V surpasses Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Billie Eilish for having the most-liked Instagram posts as an artist. Currently, with 66.4M IG followers, many of his posts have over 10 million likes. One of the most adorable IG posts of V is the one with IU. It currently has 17,942,656 likes. Any BTS fan there? 🫰🫰🫰🫰🫰 |
“CAMPEONES DEL MUNDO!!!!!!! 🌎🏆!” – This is what this Lionel Messi IG post says. Shared on 19th December 2022, this post has already crossed the mark of 74,986,356 likes. There are 20,99,476 comments on this post at present.
The GOAT has further written in the post, “So many times I dreamed it, so many times I wanted it, I still haven’t fallen, I can’t believe it……”
He also went on to thank his family and supporters in this post. It is the forever moment of pride and nostalgia for Argentina and Messi fans.
It’s unbelievable to find the image of an egg becoming one of the most liked Instagram posts. The post says, “Let’s set a world record together and get the most liked post on Instagram.”
Further, while sharing on January 4, 2019, the aim was to surpass the popularity of Kylie Jenner. It indeed has set a world record with 60,917,718 likes to date.
“Buen día!” or Good Day, this is what this Lionel Messi IG post says. The post on 20th December 2022 has garnered 54,137,706 likes.
The post is nothing short of a “Dream Come True” moment for Messi and Argentina followers. However, it’s sad that we will not get to see more of the GOAT in the blue and white Jersey.
Uhu! Here comes my favorite. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the reasons why I love soccer. Nevertheless, when this post came up on Ronaldo’s IG account, people were crazy seeing the two bests together.
Shared on 19th November 2022, the post has 42,107,262 likes. It was a paid partnership with Louis Vuitton and it stated that “Victory is a State of Mind.”
Lionel Messi was indeed living the best days, and he kept sharing glimpses of his team’s dream run in the World Cup. So, next on the list is Lionel Messi, sitting with the World Cup Trophy inside a flight.
This is another December 19, 2022 post going viral and to date, it has 41,508,141 likes.
Here comes another World Cup snap from Lionel Messi’s IG account. Here, the Argentinian Forward is seen holding the World Cup Trophy and rejoicing with his friends.
This post came up on Instagram on 22nd December 2022 and today it has 33,998,480 likes.
Like the field, Ronaldo and Messi are matching their steps on Instagram also. So, here comes the moment of Ronaldo joining Al Nassr FC.
Also, it has 33,844,363 likes and it became an instant hit after 31st December 2022.
With 33,712,288 likes, this surreal sunset video is one of the most liked Instagram posts. This reel came up on Instagram on 5th August 2023 and it is also one of the most popular IG reels.
We all had tears in our eyes when Portugal had to bite the dust against Morocco in the last World Cup. King Cristiano left the field in disappointment.
This post (11th December 2022) echoed his feelings. As he wrote that he fought hard to put his country on the highest pedestal, we all felt that!
We were even shattered as we all were expecting a Messi vs. Ronaldo run at the World Cup. The post has 33,616,445 likes right now.
The only picture of XXXTentacion, the famous rapper, was his last post on Instagram. This upside down photo was shared with a tagline of “LOVE IS WAR” on 20th May 2018.
Surprisingly, he was murdered on 18th June 2018. His last Instagram post received 33,664,606 likes, and it has been one of the most liked Instagram posts.
People were again in shock when an eerie video of the rapper attending his own funeral came up on his IG account after his death.
This is the same Louis Vuitton paid partnership photo securing the 4th position among the most liked Instagram posts.
Nevertheless, this time, the post comes on Lionel Messi’s wall. This post of November 19, 2022 has 32,398,199 likes to date.
We all were elated knowing Ronaldo and his partner were going to have twins. Ronaldo broke this news with the most adorable post on Instagram.
| “Delighted to announce we are expecting twins👶🏻👶🏻. Our hearts are full of love – we can’t wait to meet you ❤️🏠.” Cristiano Ronaldo IG Post |
This October 28th 2021 post has 32,014,501 likes as I write this article.
This post is all hearts! “Rest In Peace King Pele,” this is what Cristiano Ronaldo wrote after the demise of Pele. In this post Ronaldo addressed him as “eternal King “ and said that he will be forever in the memory of football lovers.
Ronaldo shared this post on 30th December 2022, and it has garnered 31,831,486 likes.
This is one of the funniest reels, and most liked Instagram posts. Here, the animals get confused as people prank them by wearing animal masks.
This February 2025 post has 31,266,090 likes.
Messi was all smiles as Argentina snatched a victory against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup. Here, he is sharing the moment with Julián Alvarez.
In this semifinal match, Argentina defeated Croatia by 3-0, and the two players in the photo were the ones to score. Alvarez scored two goals.
Nevertheless, this post came on Instagram on 14th December 2022, and right now, it has 29,329,397 likes.
Again, it’s Ronaldo magic! The fans celebrate him joining Al Nassar FC. Posted on 4th January 2023, this post currently has 27,475,980 likes.
The Riyadh ST XI and Paris Saint-Germain had a friendly match in January 2023. A snap of Ronaldo from the event became viral.
Here, the soccer star is seen in action. Further, this 20th January 2023 post has 27,427,977 likes.
I love this post, soaked in romance! This black and white IG post is showing all the colors of love as Zendaya wishes her boyfriend Tom Holland on his birthday. She writes,
| “Happiest of birthdays to the one who makes me the happiest <3.” |
This photo was posted on 1st June 2022 and it sits as number 18 with 26,255,712 likes.
This is one of the best and most liked Instagram posts, with Messi paying an ode to Pele, the magician of football.
This post of 30th December 2022 has 25,657,876 likes.
Here is another soccer star, the French Captain Kylian Mbappé is making his presence felt on Instagram. On 3rd June 2025, he shared a post announcing his association with Real Madrid.
The post has already received 25,570,230 likes.
When examining the 20 most popular Instagram posts, some trends become painfully obvious. While the topics of the posts differ — from sports to celebrity life to everyday moments — their deeper themes surprisingly do not.
Here’s what we can learn by comparing them:
All of these elements have a significant part to play in determining what fans double-tap on — and why.
No surprise here — football is the undisputed king of Instagram. Almost half of the most liked posts belong to footballers, particularly Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Why football? Because it is above borders, language, and culture. Fans globally enjoy shared happiness and identification with these global events. The posts are not only about the players — they represent collective emotion and national pride.
When we scroll through Instagram, what really gets us to pause? It’s not always great lighting or designer clothes — it’s emotion.
Among the top 20 posts, there are a few with heavily emotional content:
For example, posts like Chadwick Boseman’s passing announcement, Kylie Jenner’s baby reveal, and Messi’s World Cup celebration all went viral because they evoked raw, universal feelings — joy, grief, pride, or nostalgia.
Emotion is the currency of connection, and in a crowded feed, sincerity cuts through the noise.
The old design principle — “Keep It Simple, Stupid” — applies perfectly to Instagram virality.
Some of the most popular posts are stunningly simple:
Why? Because simplicity lets humans concentrate on one strong message. It’s easy to digest, pass on, and remember — three vital elements of viral content.
Examining the profiles of the most viral creators — from Messi to Selena Gomez to Billie Eilish — there is one apparent trend: consistent engagement.
These pages didn’t have millions of likes in a day. They earned credibility and audience trust gradually through regular posting, interaction with followers, and staying true to themselves.
Consistency sends a message of reliability to both users and the Instagram algorithm. When people know what they’re getting, they engage more frequently, boosting reach and more chances at going viral.
All viral posts fall within a narrative. The best creators understand how to map their content to cultural moments and story arcs.
For example:
Timing your content around trending events, cultural discussions, or major public emotions transforms your post from just another update into a shared cultural experience.
There’s a clear transition from glamour to intimacy.
A few years back, luxury and perfection ruled Instagram. But now, viewers demand relatability. They want to view their icons being human.
Examples are:
These personal moments create deeper emotional connections than glossy photoshoots ever could. In 2025’s digital space, vulnerability is influence.
Another common pattern among best-performing posts is cross-platform flexibility. Most of these viral videos and images don’t exist in silos — they’re repurposed, remixed, and posted on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.
A World Cup party, a touching message, or a record-breaking photo tends to become a multi-platform sensation, fueled by memes, media coverage, and fan edits.
This indicates the value of designing widely applicable imagery beyond one platform’s ecosystem.
Instagram’s “like” culture has become more than just a simple feedback mechanism—it is now a characteristic of digital identity. The most popular 20 posts demonstrate how likes actually influence perception, shape behavior, and construct complete social hierarchies.
Let’s dissect.
When millions of people like a single post, a loud social message is sent: this matters.
It’s digital validation — a mass consent that this picture, moment, or feeling is worthy of notice.
For influencers and brands, such an agreement is instant credibility, the key to sponsorships, partnerships, and international notoriety.
Today’s engagement culture prefers big emotions and bold imagery. Whether it’s a championship picture, a pregnancy announcement, or a cause-based campaign — spectacle combined with sincerity is virality.
That’s why Instagram posts that represent visual force and emotional connection top the engagement lists.
Lastly, the psychology of liking is based on social proof — that people look to others as guides regarding what is important or worth paying attention to. When a post hits millions of likes, more people feel urged to join in, just because “everyone else is.”
This feedback loop supports popularity and maintains virality, transforming plain posts into global digital events.
The 20 most liked Instagram posts are not only internet landmarks — they’re also cultural case studies. They demonstrate that authenticity, emotion, timing, and simplicity continue to triumph over overproduced perfection.
Football stars, heartfelt tributes, and even a humble egg all share one thing: the power to connect with humanity’s most universal emotions.
In the end, likes may be numbers, but the stories behind them reflect something far deeper — our shared longing to belong, to celebrate, and to feel seen.
If you’re looking to master your own Instagram strategy, remember:
Because in today’s engagement-based world, authenticity is not only the best approach — it’s the only one that holds up.
Here are a few questions and queries that others have asked on the topic most liked Instagram post that might be helpful for you at the same time.
As of 2026, Lionel Messi’s Instagram post celebrating Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup victory remains the most liked post in Instagram history. The post has crossed 74 million likes, a milestone no other post has come close to matching so far.
What makes this post historic is not just the number of likes, but why people engaged with it:
• It marked the completion of Messi’s legendary career arc
• Football has a truly global fanbase
• The World Cup final was one of the most-watched sporting events ever
• The image symbolized perseverance, legacy, and national pride
• This post is widely considered unbeatable in the near future unless another once-in-a-generation global moment occurs.
Sports posts, especially football-related ones, dominate because they combine emotion, nationalism, and global viewership.
Key reasons include:
• Football is the most-followed sport worldwide
• Players like Messi and Ronaldo have fans across continents
• Major tournaments unite casual viewers and die-hard fans
• Victories represent collective celebration, not individual success
Unlike entertainment content, sports moments feel historical and time-sensitive, encouraging millions of users to engage instantly.
The @world_record_egg post succeeded because it challenged the idea that only celebrities can dominate social media.
The campaign worked due to:
• A clear, simple goal (“Let’s beat Kylie Jenner”)
• Massive user participation
• Media coverage amplifying the challenge
• Humor and irony appealing to internet culture
This post proved that community-driven virality can outperform fame and money, making it one of Instagram’s most important cultural moments.
Yes, Reels are technically included—but in practice, photos still dominate the highest-liked rankings.
Here’s why:
• Reels prioritize views and watch time, not likes
• Users are more likely to “like” a powerful still image
• Historic moments are often captured in photos
• Reels tend to spread fast but age quickly
In short, Reels go viral faster, but photos last longer in engagement history.
Absolutely. While difficult, it is still possible.
Non-celebrity posts succeed when they:
• Represent a global movement or challenge
• Capture universally relatable emotions
• Are shared organically across platforms
• Receive mainstream media attention
The world record egg and viral nature posts show that originality and timing matter more than follower count.
Relationship and wedding posts perform well because they feel:
• Personal
• Emotional
• Relatable
• Rare and intimate
Fans often follow celebrities for years, so milestones like weddings feel like shared celebrations.
Posts from Ariana Grande, Tom Holland, and similar stars succeed because they balance privacy with emotional openness.
As of 2026, no Indian celebrity has entered the global top 10 most liked Instagram posts.
However:
• Several Indian actors and cricketers have crossed 15–20 million likes
• IPL and World Cup-related posts perform exceptionally well
• The gap is mainly due to Instagram’s stronger user base in Europe and the Americas
A major Indian sports victory or international crossover moment could change this in the future.
Likes still matter, but they are no longer the only success metric.
In 2026, Instagram evaluates:
• Likes (instant reaction)
• Saves (content value)
• Shares (virality)
• Comments (conversation)
• Watch time (for Reels)
That said, record-breaking posts are still measured primarily by likes, especially for historical comparisons.
Most record-breaking posts gain:
50–70% of their total likes within the first 48 hours
Continued growth over weeks or months
High-profile posts benefit from:
• Algorithm boosts
• Media coverage
• Cross-platform sharing
• Fan-driven engagement waves
Messi’s World Cup post, for example, gained tens of millions of likes in just days.
Yes, but it’s extremely rare.
The Messi/Ronaldo chess photo is a prime example of a successful branded post, but it worked because:
• The brand (Louis Vuitton) stayed subtle
• The focus was on cultural icons
• The image felt organic, not promotional
Overt advertising usually limits emotional engagement, which is essential for record-breaking likes.
Based on trends, future record-breaking posts are likely to involve:
• Major sports victories
• Historic global events
• Emotional farewells or comebacks
• Rare collaborations between global icons
• Unexpected viral movements
Pure aesthetics alone are unlikely to break records without emotional or cultural significance.
It’s possible, but extremely unlikely in the short term.
To surpass it, a post would need:
• A global audience
• Emotional weight
• Cultural relevance
• Massive real-time engagement
Events like another historic World Cup moment, a global humanitarian milestone, or an unprecedented viral movement could challenge the record, but Messi’s post sets an extraordinarily high benchmark.
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Nabamita Sinha loves to write about lifestyle and pop-culture. In her free time, she loves to watch movies and TV series and experiment with food. Her favorite niche topics are fashion, lifestyle, travel, and gossip content. Her style of writing is creative and quirky.
