A "rival" is a person or entity that competes with another in a particular field or activity. This competition can occur in various contexts, such as sports, business, or academics. Rivals often strive to outperform each other, which can lead to increased motivation and performance. In many cases, a rivalry can foster innovation and improvement, as each party seeks to gain an advantage. Famous examples of rivals include Coca-Cola and Pepsi, or Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in soccer. These rivalries can capture public interest and drive engagement in their respective domains.