‘Let’s be friends again!’ – Cristiano Ronaldo unfollows Gary Lineker on Instagram as England legend suggests his views on Lionel Messi don’t sit well with Al-Nassr star

‘Let’s be friends again!’ – Cristiano Ronaldo unfollows Gary Lineker on Instagram as England legend suggests his views on Lionel Messi don’t sit well with Al-Nassr star

In an era where social media gestures can spark as much debate as performances on the pitch, a simple unfollow has once again dragged two of football’s biggest names into the spotlight. This time, it’s not about goals, trophies, or records—but about opinions, loyalties, and the never-ending debate over who truly is the greatest of all time.

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most iconic figures the sport has ever seen, has reportedly unfollowed Gary Lineker on Instagram. On the surface, it’s a minor digital move. But in the context of modern football culture—and considering the personalities involved—it has quickly become a talking point.

Lineker, never one to shy away from sharing his views, believes he knows exactly why.

Cristiano Ronaldo unfollows Gary Lineker on Instagram: a modern football subplot

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker revealed the moment he noticed the change. Ronaldo, a player he has met several times over the years, was no longer among his followers. For many, that might go unnoticed. But given Lineker’s consistent and very public stance in the Messi vs Ronaldo debate, the connection didn’t take long to make.

According to the former England striker, the reason is fairly straightforward: honesty.

Lineker has long been vocal about his belief that Lionel Messi stands above all others in football history. It’s not a recent opinion, nor is it one he has softened over time. If anything, he’s doubled down on it in recent years, especially as both players have entered the latter stages of their careers.

And while such debates are nothing new in football, they can sometimes feel more personal when the players themselves are still active—and still paying attention.

Gary Lineker’s long-standing stance: Lionel Messi at the summit

For Lineker, the argument has never really been close.

He describes Messi not just as the best of his generation, but as the greatest player the sport has ever seen. That’s a bold claim in a game filled with legends, but it’s one he defends with conviction.

In his view, what separates Messi isn’t just the numbers—although those are extraordinary—but the style, the creativity, and the sense that he operates on a level that even other greats struggle to reach.

Lineker has often spoken about the gap between Messi and other legends, suggesting that even players like Johan Cruyff, Zinedine Zidane, and Cristiano Ronaldo himself sit just below that top tier. It’s not a slight on their achievements, but rather a reflection of how highly he rates the Argentine.

He’s also highlighted the case of Ronaldo Nazário—“Fenomeno”—as someone who might have been in that same conversation if not for injuries. In Lineker’s personal “Mount Rushmore” of football, Messi is a guaranteed inclusion, alongside Pelé, Diego Maradona, and the Brazilian Ronaldo.

Notably absent from that list? Cristiano Ronaldo.

‘Let’s be friends again!’ – Cristiano Ronaldo unfollows Gary Lineker on Instagram as England legend suggests his views on Lionel Messi don’t sit well with Al-Nassr star

It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that Ronaldo might not be entirely thrilled.

Lineker himself approached the situation with a mix of humour and honesty. He admitted that Ronaldo “doesn’t like me very much,” but stopped short of suggesting any deeper conflict beyond footballing opinions.

“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 footballer.”

It’s a line that sums up the entire situation.

In many ways, this is what makes the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry so unique. It’s not just about what happens on the pitch—it extends into how fans, pundits, and former players interpret their greatness. And those interpretations can sometimes carry weight, especially when they come from respected voices within the game.

Still, Lineker was quick to soften the tone. Despite the apparent snub, he made it clear that he holds Ronaldo in high regard, both as a player and as a person.

“I’ll always like him,” he said. “I’ve met him a lot of times.”

And then came the line that added a touch of charm to the whole episode:

“Please Cristiano… give me a call. Let’s be friends again.”

The GOAT debate: still as fierce as ever

What this situation really highlights is how alive—and how emotional—the GOAT debate remains.

Even as both players move into the twilight of their careers, the discussion around Messi and Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it has evolved. With their legacies now largely established, the conversation has shifted from what they might achieve to how their achievements should be interpreted.

For some, Ronaldo’s physical dominance, goal-scoring consistency, and success across multiple leagues make him the ultimate footballer. For others, Messi’s natural talent, vision, and ability to influence games in ways that go beyond statistics put him in a league of his own.

Lineker firmly belongs to the latter camp.

And while his opinion is far from unique, the fact that it may have prompted a reaction from Ronaldo himself adds another layer to the story.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s focus remains firmly on the pitch

If Ronaldo is bothered by the situation, he isn’t showing it where it matters most.

At Al-Nassr, he continues to deliver at a level that defies both age and expectation. Approaching his 42nd birthday, he remains one of the most prolific forwards in the Saudi Pro League, leading the line with the same intensity and hunger that defined his earlier years in Europe.

This season alone, his goal return has been remarkable. With 24 goals in 25 league appearances, he’s not just contributing—he’s dominating. Performances like these are a reminder that, regardless of debates or social media narratives, Ronaldo’s commitment to excellence hasn’t faded.

Al-Nassr currently sit at the top of the table, and the focus within the camp is clear: secure silverware and maintain momentum heading into the latter stages of the season.

Looking ahead: one final World Cup?

Beyond club football, there’s also the question of what comes next on the international stage.

Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal into the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that could serve as the final chapter of his extraordinary career. If he does make it, it would be yet another milestone in a journey that has already redefined what longevity looks like in elite sport.

The group stage presents its own challenges, but with Ronaldo’s experience and leadership, Portugal will believe they can go deep into the competition.

And for Ronaldo himself, the motivation is obvious. Another major international tournament offers one more chance to add to his legacy—and perhaps, in his own way, respond to the debates that continue to surround him.

A small moment, a bigger story

In the grand scheme of things, an Instagram unfollow is hardly the most significant event in football.

But in this case, it taps into something much larger: the ongoing conversation about greatness, the personal nature of sporting rivalries, and the way modern players engage with the world beyond the pitch.

For Gary Lineker, it’s a story he can laugh about.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, it might be a minor irritation—or nothing at all.

But for fans, it’s yet another chapter in a rivalry that has defined a generation.

And who knows? Maybe one day that follow button gets pressed again.