The recipient of eight Ballon d’Or awards, Lionel Messi, a perpetual record-breaker on the football field, achieved another significant milestone away from the game by amassing a staggering 500 million followers on his preferred social media platform. Becoming only the second individual globally to reach such a remarkable feat, Messi’s influence extends far beyond the football pitch.

Ronaldo, Messi’s perennial adversary, secured the leading position, boasting an impressive 622 million followers, a considerable margin ahead. Following closely are musician and actress Selena Gomez in third place with 429 million, followed by Kylie Jenner with 400 million, and Hollywood actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson with 397 million.

Messi experienced a surge in his fan base following Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup, and his recent collaboration with the MLS team Inter Miami after relocating to the United States has garnered him a new legion of supporters. The majority of his followers are male, constituting 72% of the total, with Brazil being the top country at 12%, followed by India at 8.1%, Argentina at 6.5%, and the United States at 6.2%.