Messi celebrates reaching 500m Instagram followers

Messi celebrates reaching 500m Instagram followers Lionel Messi has celebrated his latest social media milestone - 500million followers on Instagram - by thanking his fans on the platform, even though the Inter Miami star still trails Cristiano Ronaldo by 122million. The 36-year-old Argentine is now the third most-followed Instagram account in the world behind Instagram's own brand account and Ronaldo. He beats third-place Selena Gomez by 71M followers. '500 Million Thanks for always being there!!' he shared as a caption to a video of all of his posts shared over the last year on Instagram on Friday. The 2022 World Cup winner reached new heights on social media after Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino warned that Messi is already showing signs of tiredness just two MLS games into the season. To reduce the load on the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, the club has decided not to compete in this year's U.S. Open Cup, with just eight of MLS' 26 American teams willing to enter the competition. Houston beat Miami 2-1 in last year's final. Messi missed the game because of an injury. He and his Inter Miami teammates will attempt to continue their undefeated start to the 2024 MLS season when they host Orlando City today. Messi is the third most-followed account on Instagram but trails Cristiano Ronaldo by 122M.