Messi Crosses 400 Million Follower Mark on Instagram After World Cup Glory

• Lionel Messi gained a substantial audience on social media after winning the World Cup
• The Barcelona icon was one of Argentina's standouts as they stunned title holders France
• Before the tournament, Messi had slightly more than 350 million followers on Instagram

Lionel Messi has witnessed steady growth in his social media audience after helping Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar.

The 35-year-old played a central role in La Albiceleste's World Cup campaign, with his leadership and masterclass on the pitch inspiring the South Americans to glory for the first time since 1986.

Messi scored an incredible seven goals during the tournament, including a brace during their clash with France in the final on Sunday.

Argentina's World Cup triumph not only helped the veteran striker cement his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time, but also saw him bolster his social media presence.

Modric, 37, sets sights on Nations League title for Croatia

Football

Lionel Messi's Instagram growth

According to ESPN, the PSG superstar has now crossed the 400 million-follower mark on photo-sharing app Instagram.

Before the World Cup, Messi had slightly over 350 million followers, but this has since swelled to around 403 million fans.

However, he still has some way to go before he can catch up with his football nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of Instagram followers.

The Portuguese star remains the most-followed person on the platform, boasting an incredible 519 million followers.

Toni Kroos chooses football GOAT

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos changing his opinion on the ever-divisive GOAT debate - between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - following Argentina's Word Cup win on December 18.

Kroos played with Ronaldo for almost five years at Real Madrid, while Messi played for their El Classico rivals Barcelona. The midfielder has in the past declared Ronaldo was the best player in the world.

Kroos has now seemingly joined the bandwagon by backing Messi, following his heroics in Qatar. The striker inspired La Albiceleste to victory over France on post-match penalties, after the final played to a 120-minute three-all draw.