It all started on May 27, 2009 when Manchester United played against Barcelona for the Champions League final. This game is still remembered as the prologue to a rivalry that would transform the sport and everyone who watched it for centuries. But that evening was the first time that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi faced each other on a football field. Two ordinary men were trying to win an important football match, but only one would emerge victorious. Born on February 5, 1985, Cristiano Ronaldo grew up on the island of Madeira, located in Portugal. Raised by Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and José Denis Aveiro; Cristiano was the youngest of a family of four. Maria Dolores was a cook, while José worked as a gardener. Cristiano admires his father for his love and responsibility towards his family. He showed the same work ethic in football. His mother remembers: “Football was his passion. When he came home, I told him to do his homework. But he said he didn't have any. I was making dinner and he would jump out the window, grab some fruit and run away. He didn't come home until nine o'clock, sometimes even midnight. (HDDocumentaries) From a young age, Cristiano discovered what he wanted to do. He carried a football everywhere he went. He was dribbling with a friend in an alley or shooting in the park. His sister recalls: “We knew he had a gift for football, but we never knew he would reach the top.” (HDDocumentaries) Cristiano started playing football at a club in a small town called Andorinha, where his father was the equipment attendant. It was at this club that Cristiano showed his technique with the ball from a very young age. Word spread around the island that Cristiano had incredible talent, shortly after Ronaldo signed f...... middle of paper ...... season and Cristiano marked the goal at least once per match, it was pretty obvious Cristiano would be the best player in the world that season. Messi vs Cristiano has been a rivalry since their first appearances in the world of football. Since that match in Rome 2009, the rivalry between the two best players in the world has only blossomed. The media has highlighted the rivalry between the two players, in which they say it is a healthy rivalry. Both players agree that their compatriot encourages them to give their best every time and every match. It is very difficult to choose which one is better. The only obvious way to determine who is the best footballer is to count the number of trophies he brings to his club and with in his pocket a Super Cup trophy, the Golden Ball and soon the Champions League Trophy . This year the best player in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo.