According to Rio Ferdinand, Lionel Messi has unfollowed Alejandro Garnacho because the star favors his archrival Cristiano Ronaldo.

After scoring a spectacular goal against Everton on Saturday, the 19-year-old mimicked the Portuguese superstar’s characteristic celebration.

Garnacho scored one of the finest goals in Premier League history in the opening minutes at Goodison Park with a spectacular overhead kick.

The Argentina international has always admired former Manchester United great Cristiano Ronaldo.

Even the footwear he handed away to a fan on Monday were Ronaldo-inspired Nike Vapor 15 Mercurial Dream Speed cleats.

On the Vibe With Five podcast, former Manchester United player Ferdinand commented on Garnacho’s imitation of Ronaldo’s celebration.

He jokingly said: “You know what I like about him? He doesn’t give a f***. 

“Garnacho told me that Messi unfollowed him just because he makes no secret of preferring Ronaldo.

“He comes out, don’t care, “I’m a Ronaldo man”. Who’s the GOAT? Ronaldo. (Even) when he’s in the Argentina squad.”

Fans thought Messi unfollowed Garnacho in 2022 after he tweeted a photograph of Ronaldo referring to the Al-Nassr hero as the best of all time.

Only three weeks ago, the winger uploaded a photo of himself with Argentina’s captain with the word “idol.”

Garnacho made his senior international debut for La Albiceleste this year and has already appeared three times alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Despite the fact that Garnacho follows Messi on Instagram, Messi does not follow him.

Ronaldo and Messi have been feuding for the most of their professional careers, despite the fact that they are both recognized as two of the finest players in football history.