Gary Lineker explains Cristiano Ronaldo rift after Instagram antics

Jack Otway
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:11:09 +0000

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.

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 football's greatest player debate.

"He doesn't like me very much, Cristiano Ronaldo. I didn't upset him by anything I said about him," Lineker explained.

"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."

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The revelation prompted fits of 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.

"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," he said.

The former striker then made a tongue-in-cheek appeal directly to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"And on that note Please Cristiano give me a call. Let's be friends again," Lineker added, 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 continued for close to 20 years, with both men competing for the sport's most prestigious individual honours and team trophies.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Liv Golf's top five biggest earners with future of breakaway league in doubt

Imane Khelif suffers major setback as statement issued by boxing chief

Ian Wright 'hurting' as Arsenal icon reveals torment in emotional speech

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, whilst Ronaldo has lifted the trophy five times.

In terms of career goals, the Portuguese forward holds a slight advantage, having found the net 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 the Argentine taking pride of place alongside Pele, Diego Maradona and Brazilian Ronaldo.

Notably absent from his top four was Cristiano Ronaldo.

"He's my favourite player of all time, quite simply because he's the best player of all time, in my view," Lineker said of the World Cup winner.

He argued that Messi operates on a level clearly above other legends such as Johan Cruyff and Zinedine Zidane.

Regarding Brazilian Ronaldo, Lineker suggested injuries prevented him from reaching even greater heights, though he still achieved remarkable feats including a World Cup Golden Boot.

How the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi plays out this summer, with the World Cup on the line, remains to be seen.