Behind the Lens: Photographer Chronicles Lionel Messi’s Viral Instagram Moment

Lionel Messi perches atop Sergio Aguero’s shoulders, clutching the World Cup trophy with both hands, his face beaming with unbridled joy—a crystallized moment of triumph, fulfilling a lifelong quest after enduring years of World Cup heartbreak.

This iconic photograph, shared by Messi to commemorate Argentina’s victory over France, has now become the most-liked post in Instagram history, surpassing even the famous egg photo.

Captured by Getty photographer Shaun Botterill, it immortalizes a peak moment in sports history. Botterill recalls the meticulous planning among photographers at the World Cup final, strategically positioning themselves near Argentina’s jubilant fans.

When Messi, surrounded by his family, made his way toward them post-trophy ceremony, the photographers rushed to capture the historic moment.

“I found myself in just the right spot,” Botterill tells CNN. “Luck plays a part; Messi was right there, barely moving, allowing me to capture every gesture with the trophy.”

Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of such moments, Botterill admits, “You can plan for the trophy lift, but not for the spontaneous celebrations that follow. I was fortunate to be so close, about two meters away.”

Sharing the photograph immediately after, Botterill connected remotely to his camera and sent it off to his editors. Serendipitously, his son, working at the editing desk that night, provided early feedback on the image.

“My son messaged me, ‘Dad, I’ve edited your photo. It looks good,’” Botterill recounts with a smile. Following its viral spread, the image broke Instagram records for likes, a fact that initially eluded Botterill, who doesn’t use social media himself.

“I’m not on Instagram, so I was unaware of the photo’s popularity,” Botterill admits. “It’s quite amusing—a 55-year-old who doesn’t understand Instagram, and his boys find it hilarious.”

Botterill, whose career spans from the 1986 World Cup to the present, still approaches each event with the same passion he had as a young photographer.

Despite not attending the 1990 World Cup due to other commitments, he returned to cover subsequent tournaments, maintaining an unwavering dedication to capturing sports’ defining moments.

Reflecting on his career and the impact of this particular photograph, Botterill remains humble yet appreciative of the opportunity: “When you capture a moment like this with one of the greatest players ever, it’s special. He’s an extraordinary athlete, and that’s what makes this job rewarding.”