Messi's photo celebrating his continental trophy win with Argentina has surpassed a record for likes on Instagram previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lionel Messi has surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram record following his Copa America triumph with Argentina. The celebratory post that the Albiceleste skipper posted on the social media platform after the final has received over 20M likes, becoming the most liked photo on the app.

Lionel Messi finally got his hands on a major international trophy after beating host Brazil in the 2021 Copa America. A brilliant chip-goal in the first half by Angel Di Maria was enough to cap a remarkable campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finalists at the Maracana in Rio on July 10, ending their 28-year wait to lift the continental trophy. The Barcelona talisman was adjudged the tournament's top scorer and best player, scoring four goals and providing five assists.

Having suffered disappointments in the three previous Copa America finals, as well as the 2014 World Cup final, the forward was caught on tape shedding tears of joy right after the full-time whistle. Undoubtedly, the moment meant the world to the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, with congratulatory messages pouring in from all around the world.

"It's crazy, the happiness I am feeling is not something that could be explained," Messi told reporters after the match.

"I've left sad before but I knew that at one point it was going to happen."

To cap it, the Argentina skipper posted a photo of him hugging the Copa America trophy on his official Instagram page. The caption read: "What a beautiful madness! This is unbelievable! Thank you, God! We are the champions!"

As of July 19, the post had gained more than 21 million likes and more 538,400 comments. Messi's arch-nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo previously held the record for a tribute post to Argentina legend Diego Maradona who passed away in 2020. The Portuguese superstar's post has had close to 19.9 million likes.