Gary Lineker, one of English football's most celebrated figures, has lifted the lid on why Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly unfollowed him on Instagram, bluntly stating, "He doesn't like me." The revelation came during a candid discussion on the Rest is Football Podcast, where Lineker attributed the social media snub to his longstanding opinion that Lionel Messi is the superior player.
The Messi vs Ronaldo Debate Intensifies
The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of football's most enduring and heated topics, with the two superstars collectively amassing 13 Ballon d'Or titles. Messi leads with eight awards, while Ronaldo has secured five, reflecting their glittering careers at the pinnacle of the sport. Lineker, who spent significant years at Barcelona, has frequently voiced his belief that Messi edges out Ronaldo in overall ability, a stance that appears to have irked the Portuguese icon.
Lineker's Honest Admission
During the podcast, Lineker explained, "I didn't upset him by anything I said about him. Other than the fact I'm honest and think overall Messi's a better footballer. He unfollowed me on Instagram. I'll get over it." His co-hosts, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, found the comment amusing, prompting Lineker to joke, "I will always like him. I've met him a lot of times. I know he's got the hump with me. But that's OK. And on that note... Please Cristiano... give me a call. Let's be friends again."
Ronaldo's Firm Belief in His Superiority
For Ronaldo, the comparison with Messi is no laughing matter. In a February 2025 interview with Spanish television, he passionately defended his status, stating, "I'm the best player in football history. I haven't seen anyone better than me in football history, and I'm saying truth from my heart." He emphasized his completeness as a player, citing his prowess with headers, free kicks, and both feet, along with his speed and strength.
Ronaldo further bolstered his argument by highlighting his record-breaking achievements, such as becoming the highest goalscorer in history after scoring twice in Al-Nassr's 4-0 victory over Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League. He asserted, "Who's the best goal scorer in history? It's about numbers. Full stop. Who's the player in history who's scored the most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks?"
The Broader Impact on Football Fandom
This incident underscores how deeply personal the Messi-Ronaldo debate can be, even among football legends like Lineker. It reflects the intense loyalty and passion that fans and players alike invest in comparing these two icons, whose careers have defined modern football. While Lineker's comments were lighthearted, they reveal the real-world consequences of such opinions in the age of social media, where unfollowing can symbolize a stark disagreement.
As Ronaldo continues his career with Al-Nassr and eyes competitions like the upcoming World Cup, the debate over who reigns supreme shows no signs of abating. Lineker's revelation adds a personal twist to this global conversation, reminding us that even the greatest athletes are not immune to the opinions of their peers.
