As of December 2025, the landscape of Instagram's most liked posts tells a captivating story about our collective interests and emotions. Leading this digital gallery is none other than Lionel Messi, whose heartfelt post celebrating Argentina’s victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup garnered an astonishing number of likes—over ** million within just a day. This moment not only solidified Messi's status as a football legend but also resonated deeply with fans worldwide, uniting them in joy and pride.
Before Messi’s triumph took center stage, the crown belonged to an unexpected contender: 'Photo of an Egg.' Originally posted in January 2019 by @world_record_egg, this simple image captivated millions and became a symbol of viral success that surpassed even Kylie Jenner’s previous record set by her daughter Stormi's adorable photo.
Reflecting back to 2020 reveals another emotional chapter in Instagram history. Cristiano Ronaldo led that year with his poignant tribute to Diego Maradona after the soccer icon passed away; it received nearly ** million likes. The depth of human emotion captured through these posts illustrates how social media can serve as both a platform for celebration and mourning.
Chadwick Boseman’s official account shared heartbreaking news about his own passing from colon cancer shortly before Ronaldo's post, racking up over ** million likes—a testament to how deeply he touched lives during his time on screen. Similarly, LeBron James’ tribute to Kobe Bryant following his tragic death echoed sentiments felt across sports communities globally.
Kylie Jenner consistently appears throughout these rankings too; her playful yet loving birthday shout-out to Travis Scott amassed around ** million likes while showcasing their family life alongside their daughter Stormi. Ariana Grande also made waves with her engagement announcement featuring sweet moments with Dalton Gomez that drew over ** million hearts from followers.
These snapshots encapsulate more than mere numbers—they reflect pivotal moments where personal stories intertwine with public sentiment on one of today’s largest platforms for connection.
