Gary Lineker reveals Cristiano Ronaldo unfollowed him on Instagram
Gary Lineker has disclosed that Cristiano Ronaldo removed him from his Instagram following after the former England striker repeatedly declared Lionel Messi to be the superior footballer, reports BritPanorama.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football Podcast this week, the ex-Match of the Day presenter revealed the Portuguese star’s apparent displeasure with his stance on the ongoing debate regarding football’s greatest player.
“He doesn’t like me very much, Cristiano Ronaldo. I didn’t upset him by anything I said about him,” Lineker explained, adding, “Other than the fact I’m honest and think overall Messi’s a better football. He unfollowed me on Instagram. I’ll get over it.”
The revelation prompted laughter from his podcast co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. Despite the social media snub from the Al-Nassr forward, Lineker maintained a light-hearted tone about the situation, stating, “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.”
Lineker also made a tongue-in-cheek appeal directly to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, saying, “And on that note Please Cristiano give me a call. Let’s be friends again,” extending an olive branch to the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star.
The debate over which player deserves the title of football’s greatest has persisted for nearly two decades, with both players competing for the sport’s most prestigious individual honours and team trophies. Their fierce competition began during their respective spells at Barcelona and Real Madrid, where they battled annually for the Ballon d’Or.
Messi has claimed the award on eight occasions, while Ronaldo has lifted the trophy five times. In terms of career goals, the Portuguese forward holds a slight advantage, having netted more than 960 times compared to Messi’s tally of 914.
Lineker previously courted controversy by naming his Mount Rushmore of football’s all-time greats, with Messi taking pride of place alongside Pele, Diego Maradona, and Brazilian Ronaldo. Notably absent from his top four was Cristiano Ronaldo.
As both legends conclude their illustrious careers, the dialogue surrounding their rivalry will likely continue, often mirroring the high stakes of competitive sport itself. The unfinished nature of this debate reflects how both figures shaped not only a generation of football fans but the very fabric of the game.
