Mashable: This achievement highlights his immense popularity and global appeal beyond the realm of football.

Lionel Messi, the football superstar, has not only been making headlines on the field but also on social media. Recently, he achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 500 million followers on Instagram, solidifying his position as an "Instagram king." This achievement highlights his immense popularity and global appeal beyond the realm of football.

Messi's milestone places him in an elite club, making him just the second person in the world to reach this impressive follower count. His eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, leads the pack with 622 million followers, but Messi's milestone is still a significant accomplishment.

The broader context reveals that Messi's Instagram following surpasses that of many prominent figures across various industries. While he trails behind Ronaldo, he ranks ahead of notable personalities like Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner, and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in terms of followers.

Interestingly, Messi's Instagram following accounts for a significant portion of the platform's overall user base, with approximately 20% of Instagram's 2.5 billion monthly active users following him. This statistic underscores his immense influence and reach on social media.

Moreover, Messi's popularity extends beyond just football. His following surged after Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, and his recent move to the United States to join MLS side Inter Miami has attracted a new legion of fans. Notably, his followers are predominantly male, with Brazil being the top country in terms of followers, followed by India, Argentina, and the United States. With his ever-growing fan base, Messi's impact on social media is poised to remain significant for years to come.