In the digital age, where the currency of success is often measured in likes, comments, and shares, one platform has become the ultimate arena for proving global popularity – Instagram. At the pinnacle of this digital mountain, where only a select few reside, stands a post that has redefined the concept of virality and united hundreds of millions of people in a single virtual applause. It is about a moment that transcended sports, culture, and geographical borders, recorded and immortalized in a series of photographs that have entered internet history. This is the story of the coronation of the football king, Lionel Messi, after winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, a moment that exploded on social media and set the bar unattainably high for all future contenders to the throne.

The post from December 18, 2022, is not just a gallery of photos; it is an emotional time capsule, a summary of one of the greatest sports careers of all time. The seemingly simple series of ten images shows the raw, unfiltered joy of Lionel Messi as he lifts the golden trophy, celebrates with his teammates, and immerses himself in the euphoria he had dreamed of his entire life. It was precisely this authenticity, this dream that became a reality before the eyes of the entire world, that triggered the avalanche of support. In just a few hours, the number of likes began to grow at an exponential rate, breaking all existing records and creating a new standard of internet engagement. Every tap on the heart icon was a vote of support, a congratulation, and an acknowledgment of the man who had finally won the only trophy that was missing. Ultimately, the post garnered more than 75 million likes, a number that exceeds the population of many large countries, thereby cementing its place as the absolute ruler of Instagram.

The Egg Phenomenon: The Story of Instagram's Previous Ruler

Before the football wizard took the crown, the throne of the most popular post was occupied by a highly unusual record-holder – an ordinary brown egg. In early 2019, as part of a brilliantly simple yet genius campaign, a photo of an egg appeared on a profile called "world_record_egg" with a single goal: to dethrone the then-record holder, Kylie Jenner, and her photo of her newborn daughter Stormi holding her mother's thumb, which had amassed a then-unbelievable 18 million likes. The challenge was seemingly set up for pure fun, inviting users from all over the world to unite and show the power of the internet collective. "Let's set a world record together and get the most liked post on Instagram. Beating the current world record held by Kylie Jenner! We got this," the caption read.

What followed was a miracle of viral marketing. In just nine days, the humble egg succeeded in its mission. Millions of people joined the movement, and media outlets around the world reported on this bizarre but fascinating phenomenon. The egg became a symbol of rebellion against celebrity culture, proof that even the simplest idea can achieve global fame. It was later revealed that marketing expert Chris Godfrey was behind the whole story, who used the egg's immense popularity to reveal a deeper message during the Super Bowl, the most-watched television event in the US. In an animated video, the egg "cracked" under the pressure of fame and social media, revealing a message about the importance of mental health. Thus, the entire campaign gained a noble cause, and the egg, with nearly 60 million likes, reigned supreme on Instagram for a long time, until it was dethroned by a football trophy in the hands of the Argentine virtuoso.

Digital Rivalry: More Than Football

In a world dominated by Messi and the egg, it is impossible not to mention the third titan of Instagram, a man who is synonymous with popularity and global reach – Cristiano Ronaldo. The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has defined a football era for years, and this battle for supremacy naturally spilled over onto digital fields. Ronaldo, as the person with the largest number of followers on the platform, with an army of hundreds of millions of fans, regularly generates incredible engagement. His posts routinely garner tens of millions of likes, and some of them have, at certain moments, come dangerously close to the top or even held records.

One of the most memorable posts that testifies to their status as global icons is the one from late 2022, created in collaboration with the luxury brand Louis Vuitton. The photograph, in which Messi and Ronaldo are thoughtfully playing chess on a suitcase bearing the famous brand's signature, circled the globe with lightning speed. Published simultaneously on both of their profiles, it amassed a combined total of more than 70 million likes, with Ronaldo's version receiving over 42 million. That photograph became a symbol of their long-standing battle, intellect, and respect, transferred from the football pitch to the chessboard. In addition to that legendary picture, Ronaldo's posts that have achieved enormous success include those of a private nature, such as the pregnancy announcement of his partner Georgina Rodriguez, as well as the sad news of the loss of one of their twins, which triggered a wave of compassion and support around the world.

The Anatomy of Viral Success: What Makes a Post a Record-Breaker?

By analyzing the most successful posts in Instagram's history, from Messi's triumph, the egg, and Ronaldo's family moments, to posts by other stars like singer Billie Eilish or actor Tom Holland, it is possible to identify several common denominators that make up the recipe for viral success. The first and most obvious ingredient is an existing follower base. It is no coincidence that the list is dominated by individuals who are already followed by hundreds of millions of people. Their reach is enormous, and every post has the potential to become global news.

The second key element is emotional resonance. People react to stories that evoke strong feelings – whether it's happiness, sadness, nostalgia, or inspiration. Messi's victory was not just sports news; it was a story of perseverance, the realization of a dream, and the pinnacle of a magnificent career. Similarly, a post about the loss of a child or the birth of a new life touches upon universal human experiences and creates a sense of connection. The third factor is global relevance. Events like the FIFA World Cup are followed on every continent and unite people regardless of culture and language. Such moments create a collective experience, and liking a post becomes a way of participating in that global event. Finally, there is the unpredictable "X factor," an element of surprise or originality, which was perfectly demonstrated by the case of the egg. That post succeeded because it was different, witty, and because it invited people to become part of something bigger than themselves. Ultimately, the most-liked post on Instagram is not just a picture with a lot of hearts; it is a mirror of global consciousness, an indicator of what moves, inspires, and unites us as a collective in the digital universe.