Ranking the 10 best free-kicks of this millennium - Where does Messi's screamer against Liverpool stand?

#6 Cristiano Ronaldo vs Arsenal (UEFA Champions League 2009)

There was a time when Ronaldo's freekicks were the world's best

Once upon a time, the Portuguese maestro was known for his artistic dead-ball skills - bringing the house down with one epic free-kick after another. And even though his abilities on this front have considerably subsided as time wore on, Ronaldo continues to boast the highest number of free-kicks goals among the active players in Europe.

His scorcher against Portsmouth in the Premier League in 2008 may arguably be dear to the Manchester United fans, but the Mancunians will also remember that long-range thunderbolt against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals in 2009.

About 40 yards away from goal, Ronaldo trudges back a few steps, extrapolates the technique of execution, let's slip a gasp, gallops a few yard ahead before rifling a belter into the bottom corner and beyond the despairing dive of Manuel Almunia.

Ronaldo has since went on to plunder over 500 goals in his career. But this one, remains right up there amongst his very best. And that of the Champions League.