The recent engagement announcement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce has sent social media into a frenzy, sparking a debate: Could their engagement post surpass Lionel Messi's World Cup victory picture as the most-liked Instagram post of all time? As of July 2025, Messi's celebratory carousel from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Lusail, Qatar, featuring him and his teammates, holds the top spot with over 75 million likes. This post, uploaded on December 18, 2022, captures the euphoria of Argentina's win over France and Messi lifting the coveted trophy. It became the most-liked post across all social media platforms, even surpassing the viral egg photo that previously held the record.
Swift and Kelce announced their engagement on Tuesday with a joint Instagram post containing five photos. The post, captioned "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married," shows the couple embracing in a garden filled with pink and white roses, along with a close-up of Swift's engagement ring. The ring, an old mine brilliant-cut diamond from Kindred Lubeck, has already captured significant attention. The post is set to Swift's song "So High School," believed to be about Kelce, further fueling fan excitement.
Several factors contribute to the potential of Swift and Kelce's post reaching record-breaking numbers. Both are global icons with massive and highly engaged fan bases. Swift, a 14-time Grammy winner, has a dedicated following known as "Swifties" who actively support her endeavors. Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and a three-time Super Bowl champion, also commands a large audience, particularly within the NFL community. Their relationship, which began in 2023 after Kelce attended one of Swift's Eras Tour shows, has been a subject of widespread media coverage and public fascination. The engagement announcement is the fairytale culmination of their courtship, which has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world.
The timing of the post is also crucial. With the news breaking during the height of social media activity, it has the potential to quickly accumulate likes and shares. The visual appeal of the photos, featuring the happy couple and the stunning engagement ring, is another factor that could drive engagement. The personal connection that fans feel with Swift and Kelce, coupled with the joyous occasion, could motivate them to actively participate in making the post a record-breaker.
However, surpassing Messi's record is a tall order. His World Cup victory was a historic moment celebrated globally, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. The image of him lifting the trophy resonated with millions who had waited years to witness his triumph. The post's success was driven by the timing, emotion, and the significance of the event. Furthermore, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo together account for 12 of the top 20 most-liked posts, with posts around the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
While it remains to be seen whether Swift and Kelce's engagement post will break the record, it has all the ingredients to go viral. The combined star power of the couple, the emotional appeal of the announcement, and the active engagement of their fan bases create a perfect storm for social media success. Whether they reach 75 million likes or not, their engagement post will undoubtedly be one of the most-liked Instagram posts of all time, marking a significant moment in their personal lives and in the ever-evolving landscape of social media.
