Gary Lineker is one of English football's true greats, but that does not mean everybody is a fan of him, and with that in mind, Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly falls into the latter
Gary Lineker speaking in an interview
Gary Lineker revealed an interesting fact about Cristiano Ronaldo(Image: Spotify/The Rest is Football)
View 3 Images
Gary Lineker believes Cristiano Ronaldo unfollowed him on social media because he said Lionel Messi was a better player. The Messi vs Ronaldo debate is one of the oldest quarrels in football.
The two football superstars have 13-Ballon d'Or titles between them, with Messi winning eight and Ronaldo picking up five across their glittering careers. However, Lineker, who spent many years at Barcelona, has frequently outlined his belief Messi was the superior of the two.
Ronaldo has regularly said he believes his achievements trump those of Messi and has previously. It's this reason why Lineker believes the now Al-Nassr star chose to unfollow him on social media.
Speaking on the Rest is Football Podcast, Lineker said: "He doesn’t like me very much, Cristiano Ronaldo. I didn’t upset him by anything I said about him.
"Other than the fact I’m honest and think overall Messi’s a better football. He unfollowed me on Instagram. I’ll get over it.”
After that comment amused his co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker jokingly added: "I will always like him. I’ve met him a lot of times. I know he’s got the hump with me. But that’s OK. And on that note… Please Cristiano… give me a call. Let’s be friends again.”
Paris Saint-Germain's Argentine forward Lionel Messi (L) walks past Riyadh All-Star's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (R) during the Riyadh Season Cup football match between the Riyadh All-Stars and Paris Saint-Germain at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on January 19, 2023
Football fans are still debating who is better between Messi and Ronaldo(Image: AFP or licensors)
View 3 Images
When it comes to who is better between him and Messi, the argument is no laughing matter for Ronaldo. In February last year during an interview with Spanish television, he went into depth about why he believes he is the superior superstar.
He said to LaSexta TV: "I’m the best player in football history. I haven’t seen anyone better than me in football history, and I’m saying truth from my heart.
"I’m talking about numbers. I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast. I’m strong.
Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh on April 15, 2026
Ronaldo is expected to compete in this summer's World Cup(Image: AFP or licensors)
View 3 Images
“One thing is taste. If you like Messi, Pele, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that, but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete … I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”
After be became the highest goalscorer in history when he scored twice in Al-Nassr's 4-0 victory over Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League last year, he also added: "Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop.
“Who’s the player in history who’s scored the most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks? I was looking the other day, and not being left-footed, I’m in the top 10 goal scorers with their left foot in history – and with my head and with my right foot and penalties. All of them.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image