It all started on May 27, 2009 when Manchester United played against Barcelona for the Champions League final. This match is still remembered as the prologue to a rivalry that would transform the sport and all who watched it for centuries to come. But that night, it was the first time that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi met face to face on a football pitch. Two ordinary men trying to win an important football match, but only one will emerge victorious. Born on February 5, 1985, Cristiano Ronaldo grew up on the island of Madeira, Portugal. Raised by Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and Jose Denis Aveiro; Cristiano was the youngest of four brothers. Maria Dolores was a cook, while Jose worked as a gardener. Cristiano admired his father for his love and responsibility towards his family. He showed the same work ethic in football. His mother recalls: “Football was his passion. When he came home I told him to do his homework. But he would say he didn't have any. I was preparing dinner and he jumped out the window, grabbed some fruit and ran away. He didn't get home before nine or sometimes even midnight." (HDDDocumentaries) From an early age, Cristiano understood what he wanted to do. He carried a soccer ball with him wherever he went. He would dribble with a friend in an alley or shoot in the park His sister recalls: "we knew he had a gift for football, but we never knew he would reach the top". (HDDDocumentaries) Cristiano started playing football at a club in a small town called Andorinha, where his father he was the equipment man.It is in this club that Cristiano showed his technique with the ball at such a young age. Word spread throughout the island that Cristiano had extraordinary talent, shortly after Ronaldo signed for. .. halfway through the season... and Cristiano had scored the goal at least once per game, it was quite 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 soccer. Since that match in Rome in 2009, the rivalry between the two best players in the world has only flourished. The media has promoted the rivalry between the two players, in which they say it is a healthy rivalry. Both players agree that their compatriot encourages them to play their best every time, in every game. It is very difficult to choose which one is best. The only obvious way to determine who is the best footballer is to count how many trophies he brings to his club and have a Super Cup trophy, the Ballon d'Or and soon the Champions League Trophy in his pocket. This year the best player in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo.