In the realm of football and social media, a simple unfollow can spark rumors and speculations. The latest twist involves Lionel Messi unfollowing Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho on Instagram, and according to former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand, the reason behind it is Garnacho's unabashed preference for Cristiano Ronaldo, reported by GOAL.

Ferdinand, speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel, shared insights from Garnacho, revealing that Messi, his Argentina international teammate, unfollowed him due to his open admiration for Ronaldo. Garnacho, who briefly shared the field with Ronaldo at Old Trafford, has not shied away from expressing his admiration for the Portuguese star, even donning Nike Vapor 15 Mercurial Dream Speed boots inspired by Ronaldo.

The teenager's bold stance on being a “Ronaldo man” reportedly led to Messi taking the digital step of unfollowing him on Instagram. This move became apparent to fans in April 2022 when Messi unfollowed Garnacho, who had posted a picture of Ronaldo along with a message declaring him the greatest of all time.

Despite Garnacho referring to Messi as an “idol,” the Instagram dynamics between the two have not changed. Interestingly, both players are now colleagues in the senior Argentina squad.

Garnacho's recent on-field performance might have caught Messi's attention, featuring a stunning overhead kick against Everton. Ferdinand, comparing it to Wayne Rooney's famous bicycle kick in 2011, declared Garnacho's goal as better, emphasizing the uniqueness and breathtaking nature of the moment.

As Manchester United prepares for their Champions League clash against Galatasaray, Alejandro Garnacho's role in the squad remains significant, even though there are concerns about the impact of overhead kicks on the young player's back, as acknowledged by head coach Erik ten Hag. The Messi-Garnacho Instagram saga adds an intriguing layer to the dynamics within the football world, showcasing the influence of social media in shaping perceptions and narratives.