Instagram has become more than just a platform for sharing photos — it’s a digital arena where moments go viral, trends explode, and records are broken. One of the most fascinating records in recent memory is the most liked Instagram post of all time. If you're curious about what kind of post can rack up millions of likes or you're trying to understand the magic behind viral content, you're in the right place.

Whether you're a social media enthusiast, a content creator, or just a curious user, knowing what drives engagement on Instagram can be both fun and useful. In this article, we’ll take a deep look at the most liked Instagram post ever, who made it, and what made it so special. We’ll also explore some of the other top contenders and what they reveal about what truly grabs attention online.

From sports legends to stunning visuals, the most liked posts often reflect universal emotions and shared experiences. So, let's dive into this digital phenomenon and uncover the secrets behind Instagram's most-loved content.

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Table of Contents

• The Record Holder: Lionel Messi’s World Cup Victory Post
• Why Did Messi’s Post Go Viral?
• Other Top-Liked Instagram Posts
• What These Posts Tell Us About Instagram Trends
• How to Create a Viral Instagram Post
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Record Holder: Lionel Messi’s World Cup Victory Post

Lionel Messi isn’t just a football legend — he’s also the person behind the most liked Instagram post of all time. Back in December 2022, Messi shared a carousel post celebrating Argentina’s World Cup win. The post featured a series of photos and videos from the emotional victory, capturing the joy, relief, and pride of the entire team and nation.

As of June 2025, that post had reached over 60 million likes — a number that continues to grow. It wasn’t just the moment itself that made the post special, but how it resonated globally. Fans from all over the world, even those not from Argentina, felt connected to Messi’s journey and celebrated his triumph.

Messi’s post is a perfect example of how personal, emotionally rich content can transcend borders and demographics. It wasn’t staged or overly curated — it was raw, authentic, and deeply human.

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Why Did Messi’s Post Go Viral?

So what made Messi’s Instagram post stand out in a sea of content? Let’s break it down a bit:

• Global Reach: Football is one of the most followed sports worldwide. Messi, being one of the sport’s all-time greats, already had a massive fan base spread across continents.
• Emotional Impact: The World Cup win was especially meaningful for Messi and his fans. It was his first World Cup title after years of near-misses, making the victory feel like a personal triumph for many.
• Authenticity: Unlike promotional or staged content, this post was a genuine celebration. The photos and videos captured real emotions, which made the post feel more relatable and shareable.
• Timing: The post came at a time when the world was already buzzing with the World Cup excitement, making it more likely to be seen and shared widely.

It’s also worth noting that Messi’s Instagram account is one of the most followed, so even a regular post from him gets significant traction. But this one went beyond that — it became a cultural moment.

Other Top-Liked Instagram Posts

While Messi’s post holds the top spot, there are other viral Instagram posts that have also broken the internet in their own way. Here are a few notable mentions:

1. Christiano Ronaldo’s Goal Celebration (2021): Ronaldo shared a video of himself celebrating a goal for Manchester United. The post got over 30 million likes, showing that fans still adore the football superstar.
2. Zendaya’s Golden Globe Win (2022): Her post celebrating her win for Euphoria was liked by millions, highlighting how fans respond to genuine moments of joy and achievement.
3. Beautiful Sunset Over the Ocean: Believe it or not, a simple image of a sunset shared by a nature account got over 20 million likes. Sometimes, the simplest things can speak the loudest.
4. Cute Animal Videos: Posts featuring dogs, cats, or other animals doing silly things often go viral. One such post of a puppy chasing its tail got over 18 million likes.

These posts may vary in subject, but they all share something in common — they tap into universal emotions or experiences, making them instantly relatable.

What These Posts Tell Us About Instagram Trends

Looking at the most liked Instagram posts can tell us a lot about what users love to engage with. Here’s what the trends seem to suggest:

• Emotion is King: Whether it’s joy, surprise, or nostalgia, content that makes people feel something tends to get more likes and shares.
• Authenticity Wins: People love real moments — whether it’s a personal achievement or a candid photo — over overly polished, curated content.
• Universal Appeal: Posts that resonate with a wide audience, not just a niche group, tend to go viral more often.
• Visual Impact: High-quality visuals, whether it’s a stunning photo or a clear video, make a big difference in how content is received.

So, if you’re trying to boost your own Instagram engagement, consider what kind of emotional or visual impact your post might have. Sometimes the simplest idea can be the most powerful.

How to Create a Viral Instagram Post

Creating a viral post isn’t an exact science, but there are some smart strategies you can try:

• Tap Into What’s Trending: Keep an eye on what’s popular at the moment — whether it’s a hashtag, a meme, or a challenge — and find a way to make it your own.
• Use High-Quality Visuals: Whether it’s a photo, video, or carousel, make sure your visuals are sharp and visually appealing.
• Write a Compelling Caption: Don’t underestimate the power of a good caption. It should be short, catchy, and maybe even a little funny or thought-provoking.
• Engage With Your Audience: Respond to comments and encourage people to tag their friends or share the post. Engagement often leads to more visibility.
• Post at the Right Time: Timing matters. Try to post when your audience is most active to maximize visibility.

And remember, sometimes the best posts are the ones that come from the heart. Authenticity, creativity, and a bit of luck can go a long way.

If you're looking to grow your Instagram presence or understand what drives engagement, learn more about how to create impactful social media content on our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the most liked post on Instagram?

As of June 2025, the most liked post on Instagram belongs to Lionel Messi. It’s a carousel post celebrating Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022. The post has over 60 million likes and counting.

What makes an Instagram post go viral?

Viral posts often share a few key traits: emotional appeal, visual impact, authenticity, and relevance to trending topics or global events. The best viral content feels real and connects with a wide audience.

Can anyone create a viral Instagram post?

Yes, absolutely! While big celebrities have an advantage due to their follower base, ordinary users can also go viral. The key is to create content that resonates emotionally, looks great, and possibly taps into a current trend or movement.